Over 10 lakh tourists visited state in 2017

SHILLONG: Over 10 lakh tourists visited Meghalaya in 2017 and the number includes both domestic and foreign tourists.
In reply to a question by Adelbert Nongrum (KHNAM), the Tourism Minister Metbah Lyngdoh said while the number of domestic tourists arrived in the state last year was 990856, the foreign tourists visited the state during the period was 12051.
Answering a supplementary question raised by the North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum, Lyngdoh allayed the fear of influx in dealing with the tourists.
To another question, Metbah Lyngdoh said the number of existing tourist spots in the state are East Khasi Hills (29), West Khasi Hills (4), South West Khasi Hills (3), Ri Bhoi (4), West Jaintia Hills (7), East Jaintia Hills (1), East Garo Hills (2), North Garo Hills (3), West Garo Hills (4), South West Garo Hills (2) and South Garo Hills (2).
‘MTDC one man show’
Raising a supplementary question, Nongrum pointed out that as per his information, only one person is running the affairs of MTDC.
However, the tourism minister denied this and said the MTDC is not a one man show as it is run by a board of directors.
The Speaker wanted the Minister to take note of the allegation.
Raising a question, Congress legislator H M Shangpliang wanted to know the initiatives of the government to promote eco tourism and cave tourism.