Shillong, Sept 14: The Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum (MTDF) has called for collective dialogue on tourism regulations in the state, expressing concerns over the recent decision by the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) to restrict or ban tourist vehicles from outside the state from plying in rural tourism destinations.

The MTDF believes that such restrictions could hamper the growth of tourism in Meghalaya, which has been promoted as a scenic destination with a focus on warmth and seamless experience for visitors. The forum argues that any obstacles to tourist movement could discourage many visitors from visiting the state.

“With utmost respect, we submit that such measures set an undesirable precedent and may inadvertently hamper the growth of tourism in our State. Tourists visit Meghalaya not just for its scenic beauty, but also for the warmth and seamless experience they receive. Any restrictions that create obstacles to their movement could discourage many tourists from visiting the state thereby severely  affecting the future growth of tourism in Meghalaya,” chairman of MTDF Larsing Sawyan said in a letter to the AKMTTA.

The MTDF emphasizes that tourism is a multi-stakeholder industry and that decisions on tourism policies or regulations must be inclusive, with inputs from all stakeholders.

The forum urges the taxi association to avoid unilateral actions and instead work collaboratively to grow the tourism market and build a sustainable model that benefits everyone.

“The MTDF has played a major role in promoting Meghalaya as a Tourism destination when Tourism was at its infancy. Today after more than 20 years of inception, we are confident that Meghalaya Tourism has a bright future ahead . We are also of the opinion that if Meghalaya has a fully functional all season airport and a luxury high speed railway line, Tourism will not only boom in the Khasi and Jaintia hills but will also greatly benefit the local tourist taxi operators as the entry and exit of people into the state will be largely through our own Boeing compatible airport and railway head within the Khasi Hills. This will give our tourist taxi drivers a full monopoly on servicing the logistical requirements of visitors into the state.

Tourism, by its very nature, is a multi-stakeholder industry. Apart from transport operators, it includes hotel, resort, guest house and homestay owners, restaurants, cafés, guides, and countless small businesses and artisans. Each of these sectors has an equal stake in how tourism is shaped and conducted in Meghalaya. Therefore, discussions and decisions on tourism policies or regulations must be inclusive, with inputs from all stakeholders,” Sawyan said.

“We respectfully urge that actions such as protests, restrictions, or unilateral regulations be avoided, as they risk undermining the collective progress we all aspire to. Instead, the solution lies in growing the tourism market together and building Meghalaya into a destination where there is no “off season.” It is because of the the big drop in visitors during the off season that tourist taxis owners and hotel and guest house operators face maximum problems,” he said adding “By working hand in hand—enhancing transport facilities, accommodation standards, food services, and cultural experiences—we can create a sustainable model of tourism that benefits everyone and helps grow Tourism to such an extent that we do not face huge drop in visitors during the off seasons.”

Also Read: Ban on outside tourist vehicles will hurt Meghalaya’s tourism: MTDF

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