TravTalk India Online Magazine
Hari Kishan Valmiki, Founder and Managing Partner, Valmiki Travel & Tourism Solultions, talks about the experience at the first-ever EDWIN which was held in Ladakh.
Q Why did you choose to participate in the first EDWIN to Ladakh?
When every other organisation is giving familiarisation through webinars, online tests and road shows, it’s only EDWIN who came forward with the focus on first-hand experience by charging nominally and giving exposure to the destination of Leh Ladakh. The beauty of inviting local eminent personalities and getting them to speak about their own destination is another attraction, which I think was helpful.
Q Were the objectives met?
Definitely – as my objective is to get a feel of the product and experience the extreme cold weather with low oxygen levels. I had been told about acclimatisation, but have now come to understand it by undergoing one full day of doing nothing but acclimatising.
Q Will this help you market Leh Ladakh better to your end customers?
Of course, at the end of the day, for the confidence to sell such unique and niche products, you need personal experience. This cannot be read and understood over Lonely Planet or watching a travel channel on television. Since we have witnessed what is the peak when we travelled above sea level – 18,500 ft – by touching the Khardung-la, we have also understood what kind of challenges our clients can face. This will help us in guiding them in a better way.
Q Would you like to highlight any particular thing about this programme?
Yes – This particular product cannot be sold to each and every client. I will ensure that I educate and empower my fellow travellers to be responsible and help protect the destination under Responsible Tourism, followed by Sustainable Tourism as Ladakh does not need quantity but quality passengers.
