By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma, who holds the additional charge of the Tourism department, left for Switzerland on Wednesday, to attend a ten-day Geneva festival beginning on Thursday.
The Chief Minister will be part of a high-level delegation led by Union Minister for Tourism Subodh Kant Sahay and others officials.
Dr Sangma is also being accompanied by the Commissioner and Director, State Tourism department.
Addressing media persons prior to his departure, Dr Sangma said the trip, being sponsored by the Union Government, will lay special emphasis on the Northeastern states in general and Meghalaya in
particular at the mega tourism event.
The main objective of the delegation’s visit is to promote the tourism potential of the State on a world stage. They would also engage themselves in showcasing the potential of the region to attract tourists and foster growth.
According to Dr Sangma, there would be a series of interactive sessions which would be an opportunity for the State to tap the high-end sector of tourists from the West.
The State Government is also planning to attract some European tourist from the festival as majority of these European tourists tend to visit warmer places the escape the bitter cold in their countries.
“We shall join hands with other NE states and also the neighbouring countries to work out a tourist circuit with Meghalaya as a major destination,” he added.
The 10-day Geneva Festival would be marked by flagship events such as the opening concert offered by the Indian Government on Thursday, a beach rugby event at the Place du Rhône and the Fairground on the Quai Wilson, which is the heart of the lakeside activities during the duration of the Festival.
