SHILLONG: With 23 per cent growth in the number of domestic tourists in Meghalaya between 2016 and 2017, the state government is planning to reap richer dividends by means of more investment, innovation and positive campaigning.
The domestic tourist visits reached to 95.47 lakh in 2017 from 77.71 lakh in 2016, a double digit growth of 22.8 per cent. The increased number of tourists in turn has created better employment opportunity for locals, said a statement released by the CMO on Wednesday.
“We can reap rich dividends by investing in developing tourism. For every rupee that is spent in this sector, the return will be hundred fold, which will have direct bearing on our economy,” the statement quoted Chief Minister Conrad Sangma as saying at the inauguration of the Lake View Cottages and Orchid Lake Cottages near the scenic Umiam Lake on Wednesday.
The Rs 99.13-crore project — named Development of North East Circuit: Umiam (Lake View)-U Lum Sohpetbneng-Mawdiangdiang-Orchid Lake Resort — was completed under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism.
The efforts of ministry have shown positive results and the number of foreign tourists too has shown an upward trend over the years. The region received a total of 1.69 lakh foreign tourist visits during 2017 as against 1.45 lakh in 2016 registering a growth of 16.7 per cent over 2016, the statement said.
Speaking on tourism potential, Sangma thanked the ministry of Tourism and Union Minister AJ Alphons for extending support to develop tourism infrastructure in Meghalaya.
He said the government has adopted a systematic approach to develop tourism by taking an initiative to develop and package the unique selling point of a particular destination in the State. “We want to build a positive campaign to promote our destinations and invite tourist to experience the culture, nature and the climate of Meghalaya,” he added.
Talking about the diversity of the tribes in Meghalaya, Sangma said the government has envisioned developing heritage villages in different destinations to enable the tourist to experience the unique culture, traditions and music of Meghalaya. He informed that the central government is extending all support for developing connectivity.
“We are engaging with different airlines to start direct air connectivity from Delhi and Kolkatta and if this happens it will be a huge boost to tourism. Likewise, if there is air connectivity from neighbouring countries, Meghalaya being the nearest hill state will immensely benefit,” he added.
Tourism Minister Metbah Lyngdoh informed that there is growth in tourism sector and all efforts to further boost tourism are in pipeline.
“We are fortunate to have been blessed with splendid natural beauty. So our focus has been to ensure that the infrastructure and amenities are put in place,” Lyngdoh said.
Secretary Tourism, Government of India Yogendra Tripathy said, “The growth of tourism in Northeast is more than the national average in the past few years and Ministry of Tourism is giving adequate focus to tap the potential of tourism in Northeast through different schemes specific to Northeast as well as other schemes of the ministry.”
