SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has called for collective efforts by all government departments and other stakeholders to realise the tourism potential of Meghalaya because the sector “cannot thrive in isolation”.
Addressing a gathering on the occasion of World Tourism Day at U Soso Tham auditorium in the city on Wednesday, Sangma, who holds the tourism portfolio, spoke of elevating Meghalaya to a favoured destination and urged people to take up tourism as a core activity.
“Meghalaya should look at products that are available at the tourism sector. Tourism is the most inclusive sector in promoting livelihood in a sustainable manner,” he said.
Talking on ‘Sustainable Tourism – a Tool for Development’, which was the theme for the day, the chief minister said all stakeholders should have active participation in fulfilling the agenda.
He also stressed on the need to encourage international tourists.
“Tourism is one of the most crucial sectors in ensuring socio-economic transformation,” he said.
A new audio-visual presentation of some of the famous tourist destinations in the state was screened and Sangma also released a tourism booklet.
Parliamentary secretary for Tourism Kennedy Khyriem said the state was chosen as the Best Emerging Destination recently and many places are being developed as new tourist sites.
Chief Secretary Y Tsering was also present at the event.
New initiative
As part of the World Tourism Day celebrations, Khyriem inaugurated the Mebaai Tourism Exploration and the Golfer Nest Guest House at Hawkers Freezone Market Golflink.
He lauded the effort of Mebaai Group under the leadership of Mebanshemphang H Nongsiej as director for making use of tourism potential.
The parliamentary secretary said many locals have turned to the tourism sector after the ban on coal mining.
