By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Fresh from his recent official visit to Switzerland, Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma has informed that the State Government would hold a joint exercise of the two countries to promote the tourism sector.
“I am happy that Shillong is getting an opportunity to hold such an important event to boost the tourism sector in the country,” Dr Sangma told reporters on Thursday.
He said that the date of the event would be decided by the Union Government and its counterpart in Switzerland in consultation with the State Government.
According to the Chief Minister, the joint exercise would focus on strengthening the tourism sector in the country.
“During the exercise, there would be emphasis to integrate and strengthen the potential of the country as a tourist destination,” Dr Sangma said.
“So far the Northeast has not been marketed well as a tourist destination,” The Chief Minister said, adding that a strategy would also be worked out to ensure foreign tourists who visit the country also come to the region.
“As of now, very few foreign tourists come to this part of the world. With this exercise, we are hoping to increase the flow of foreign in the region,”Dr Sangma said.
Besides, the State Government is also looking for tie ups with neighbouring countries like Bhutan, Bangladesh and Thailand for promotion of the tourism sector.
Commenting that proper infrastructure is required to be developed to promote the State as a tourism destination, the Chief Minister said that the Government would rope in prospective entrepreneurs in the field of tourism and introduce schemes to help the potential entrepreneurs to construct small resorts.
He also mentioned that the Government is coming up with various other projects for tourism development in the State.
