Shillong, Aug 28: Meghalaya has invested a total of Rs 840.29 crore with a vision to develop the tourism circuit in the state, positioning it as a high value destination promoting sustainable and responsible tourism that benefits both visitors and local communities.

Replying to a short duration discussion in the Assembly, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Wednesday said tourism is one of the cornerstones of Meghalaya’s economy with around 50,000 people in the state directly or indirectly depending on the sector for their livelihoods. “Recognizing this, the state government is committed to fostering the growth of tourism as a means of generating employment, stimulating economic activity and enhancing the overall quality of life for our citizens,” he said.

“We all know tourism is our job creator and a job multiplier with the potential to become a major contributor to the state gross state domestic product. To achieve our goals, we have identified the need to create high quality tourism infrastructure in both established and emerging circuits this includes the development of new accommodation options improving access to our scenic locations and enhancing the overall visitor experience by doing so we aim to brand Meghalaya here as our premier destination for niche tourism products such as adventure tourism, experiential tourism and cultural tourism,” Lyngdoh said.

He also added, “The government recognizes that substantial investment is required to build this infrastructure. We have therefore embarked on an ambitious plan to mobilise resources not only from the state budget but also through central government schemes and externally aided projects (EAPs).”

One of the key initiatives in this regard is the implementation of the Meghalaya Eco Tourism Infrastructure Development project, an externally aided project under the New Development Bank.

“With a budget of Rs 730 crores, this project aims to create iconic infrastructure at key tourist destinations such as Sohra, Shillong and Tura. Additionally, we have secured funding of Rs 60.29 crore under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 for developing Meghalayan Age Cave Experience and Water Falls Trails in Sohra,” the minister said.

Further, he said, “We have also received funding from the Ministry of Tourism of Rs 50 crore under the Challenge Based Destination Development, a sub scheme of Swadesh Darshan 2.0.”

He said that the government of Meghalaya is committed to continually improving the tourism products we offer, we are focusing on developing new and unique experiences that cater to both domestic and international travellers for instance Jaintia Hills is rapidly emerging as a favourite destination for tourists with locations like Ialong, Syntu Ksiar, Krang Suri, Shnongpdeng, Darrang and Iooksi.

The minister informed that the government has also launched several new programs to enhance the tourism experience in Meghalaya adding that the Meghalaya Home Stays Scheme in convergence with the PMEGP provides upto 70% subsidy for a Rs 10 lakh project to promote home stays in the state encouraging community involvement in tourism.

Altogether 633 homestays have been sanctioned since the scheme was launched.

Under the Chief Minister’s Elevate program aim at promoting entrepreneurship among the youths of Meghalaya by providing easy access to credit, altogether 50 entrepreneurs have benefited from the scheme, since the scheme was launched, he said while further assuring that the state government is fully committed to addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities that lie ahead through strategic investments in infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the minister admitted that the unfortunate incident reported on July 30, at Umtyngar junction had a noticeable impact on the tourism sector.

It may be mentioned the district administration had also taken swift action upon receiving the information about the illegal obstruction of tourist vehicles by HNYF members of East Khasi Hills district, at Umtyngar junction.

The district police had prevented the HNYF members from wrongfully restraining the tourist’s vehicle. The quick response by the police ensured that the movement of tourist vehicles, especially those from Assam was not significantly hindered, thus preventing further escalation of the situation.

The police then apprehended and arrested 10 members of HNYF, including their president of East Khasi Hills.

The minister said that reports indicated a 30% cancellation of hotel bookings on July 26 and a 50% cancellation of tours and activities from the following day. The incident led to immediate concerns among stakeholders in the tourism industry.

In response, the department of tourism took swift action by organizing a stakeholder’s discussions on August 14.

During the consultation several critical issues were discussed including the need for improved road, power, internet connectivity, sustainable waste management, marketing strategies, skilling, mindset change, protection of tourists from fraud, private vehicles plying as tourist cabs, etc.

The stakeholders also emphasized the importance of collaboration among all parties to create a unique and positive experience for tourists as well as the need for tourism stakeholders to come together in one platform.

Also Read: Reasons for Shillong traffic congestion: Narrow roads, on-street parking, surge in private vehicles

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