Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has announced that the state will focus on promoting its unique local strengths, including Lakadong turmeric and ethnic architecture, to boost tourism and rural development. This direction comes following a review meeting chaired by Union Minister for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya M. Scindia.
Meghalaya Government has approved the installation of 100 public convenience facilities across the state, with a focus on enhancing areas of tourist interest.
Days after the Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum (MTDF) suggested to the State government to have a ‘luxury rail network’ from Guwahati to Shillong to boost tourism as well as Deputy CM Sniawbhalang Dhar indicating that the government is yet to abandon the proposed implementation of the railway project in the Khasi - Jaintia Hills region, the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) has reiterated its demand to put on hold the proposed railway projects till effective anti-influx mechanisms like the inner line permit (ILP) is implemented in the state.
Tourism organizations including tour operators in Meghalaya have unanimously resolved to maintain a peaceful atmosphere in the state for the benefit of all tourism stakeholders and visitors.
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.
