Shillong, Sept 27: Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Wednesday asserted that the implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) will not impact tourism inflow in Meghalaya.

The Minister made this statement while addressing reporters after the ‘Indian Responsible Tourism State Summit & Awards 2023 – Meghalaya Chapter’ program at the State Convention Centre in Shillong on Wednesday.

Drawing an analogy with the stringent visitors (Tourist) laws of Israel, the Tourism Minister emphasized that despite Israel’s strict policies for the visitors into the country, their tourism sector continues to thrive. Therefore, Lyngdoh affirmed that the implementation of the Inner Line Permit in Meghalaya will not hinder tourism.

“Israel is a very difficult country to access by visitors, but looking at their tourism revenues it is among the top in the world,” said Lyngdoh.

He went on to compare the rigorous VISA system of Israel with the ILP implemented in various North East states, stating, “Their VISA system is more rigorous than the ILP being implemented in some of the states…there are a lot of things that can be fused; it all is a matter of how you prioritise.”

Lyngdoh emphasized that it is a combination of different government initiatives that ensures they cater to the right kind of tourist.

He further mentioned that nearly 15 lakh tourists, both domestic and international, visited the State, even though it lacks proper air and railway connectivity with other states, relying solely on road connectivity.

During the event, the Minister awarded Guest House and Homestay owners who have been actively contributing to the promotion of tourism in the State. These awards were sponsored by Outlook Magazine and the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya.

The awards were categorized into different segments, including Home-stays, Guest Houses, AirB&Bs, Travel Enterprises, Architecture, Food, Grassroot Heroes, and Cultural Ambassadors.