From Our Special Correspondent
New Delhi: Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma has floated a novel idea of giving a regional outlook to tourism in North East and adjoining countries to lure the foreign tourists.
“Each region has a specialty of its own and should be packaged accordingly for international tourists,” Dr Sangma said while speaking at a meeting of tourism ministers here on Thursday.
“The Himalayas and the majestic Brahmaputra can attract tourists from far and wide. This concept could even revolutionise the tourism industry in the country,” he said adding “The North East, surrounded by Bangladesh, Myanmar and Bhutan with accessible border, can fascinate the foreigners”. He stressed on development of region-specific tourism packages in close coordination with the North Eastern Council (NEC).
“We welcome the suggestion to set up Regional Tourism Promotion Council to promote destinations together and address tourism related issues collectively,” Dr Sangma, who holds tourism portfolio, said.
Meghalaya on its part has leveraged schemes for development of tourism destinations, tourism circuits, rural tourism projects under Project Infrastructure Development of Destination & Circuits of the Ministry of Tourism.
It has identified eight circuits, six tourist destinations, four tourist centres and three rural tourism projects in the State.
Dr Sangma said Meghalaya is richly endowed in terms of flora and fauna with unique sacred groves, living root bridges, majestic monoliths and amazing rock formations.
“We have embarked on a policy of developing tourism in such a manner as to ensure sustainability and conservation of the environment and natural resources,” he said.
“We are encouraging tourism projects which are based on community participation and going ‘Green’ is our mantra and all efforts would be taken to educate and encourage tourists and locals alike. Emphasis has also been made for promotion of adventure tourism, as the state abounds with caves, trekking routes, nature & wildlife,” he said.
Festivals of Meghalaya which provide glimpse of state’s unique tradition of weaving, handicraft and decorative jewellery should be encouraged by the Tourism ministry, he said adding “We intend to sustain this growth by creating quality niche products which would be attractive to both domestic and foreign tourists”.