SHILLONG: Sohra MLA Gavin M Mylliem has asked taxi owners in his constituency to capitalise on the huge tourist footfall coming to the region and improve on hospitality skills.
Mylliem, while addressing a gathering at the inaugural function of the silver jubilee celebrations of the Sohra Taxi Owners’ Association (STOA) at Mawmihthied on Thursday, said despite the heavy tourist inflow, there is not much improvement in livelihood of locals in that region as most of the operators are from outside the state.
“The Tourism Department is providing capacity building in hospitality management from time to time for different tour operators, guides and drivers to improve their communication and hospitality skills. Local transport is an important factor that adds to the overall development of the place and attraction for tourists,” he added.
The MLA lauded the association for their efforts to set up the first of its kind inter-state parking lot at Mawmihthied. He also expressed his gratitude to the Dorbar Shnong of Mawmihthied for contributing land for the purpose.
If the parking lot materialises, this will bring in a lot of revenue to locals.
Tourists will also benefit as local taxi operators will have a better knowledge of the place and access to different tourist sites, Mylliem said and expressed optimism that with the completion of the Umroi airport, tourists will be able to utilise the services of local taxi operators, especially in Sohra.
Mylliem congratulated the association members, both old and new, for their relentless work over the years and said it was through their continuous dedication that the association has reached this milestone of 25 years despite facing a lot of difficulties and shortcomings.
