Srinagar: Heralding major reforms in the Union Territory, the Ladakh government on Thursday announced deregulation of the hospitality sector, freeing it from archaic rules and bureaucratic interference. Lieutenant Governor V.K.Registration validity of tour operators has been increased from one year to five years, eliminating the need for renewal every year. Tour and travel operators engaged in adventure and mountaineering activities earlier had to register separately as ‘Adventure Tour Operator’ and ‘Mountaineering Tour Operator’ at an additional registration fee of Rs 3,000. It has been abolished.A unified category has been introduced under the nomenclature ‘Travel Agent’, which will authorize the registered entity to carry out all the activities permitted under the Tourist Registration Act.The number of documents required for registration of tour operators has been significantly reduced. The new framework also removes the requirement of character certificate, a certain bank balance and educational qualification to run a tour and travel agency.The current process of homestay registration involves many procedural requirements and documentation, which often act as a barrier to local participation. The new framework reduces the number of documents required, makes the process simpler and more accessible, encourages community-based tourism and creates livelihood opportunities for local residents.The LG said the reforms, guided by PM Modi’s principle of ‘minimum government, maximum governance’, will create a safe environment for tourists, expand the tourism industry and significantly contribute to strengthening the local economy.