Shillong, Oct 27: Meghalaya Government has approved the installation of 100 public convenience facilities across the state, with a focus on enhancing areas of tourist interest. This initiative comes in response to the long-standing issue of inadequate infrastructure and basic amenities in the state’s tourism sector, a challenge that has hindered Meghalaya’s potential for exponential growth in tourist numbers.
Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, emphasizing the importance of this move, said, “First and foremost, we have been able to market Shillong as a brand destination. We have currently sanctioned about 100 public convenience amenities across Meghalaya.” These amenities will include essential facilities such as toilets and drinking water stations, to be introduced initially in the first phase at key destinations.
Historically, poor road conditions, unhygienic restrooms, inadequate signage, and unregulated tourist flow have been common problems in many tourist hotspots in Meghalaya. While previous efforts have been made to address these issues, the State Tourism Department is now adopting a more grassroots approach to tackle them comprehensively.
Lyngdoh announced that according to recent trends, Meghalaya is poised to see a significant increase in tourist numbers. “Shillong is now the number one preferred destination among Indians, which is a huge honor for Meghalaya. We are the preferred destination, and by 2025, there are indications that we will see a 70% increase in tourist footfall,” he stated. This comes a day after the release of the “Travel Trends Report” by the global travel app Skyscanner, which highlighted that Shillong has surpassed Baku, the historic capital of Azerbaijan, as the top destination for Indian travelers in the coming year.
To sustain this momentum, Lyngdoh emphasized the need to further market Shillong as a leading brand destination. “We are enhancing the tourist circuit across the state, starting with key spots like Umiam, Sohra, and Dawki. At the same time, we are actively involving the youth in tourism initiatives, which will become evident in the next month at major tourist centers,” he said.
The state government is also prioritizing connectivity in remote tourist locations. “We have recently improved accessibility in Mawthadraishan. These efforts will soon pay off, and with the anticipated expansion of the Shillong Airport, Meghalaya is set to emerge as a global tourist destination,” Lyngdoh added.
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