SHILLONG: The state government is counting on tourism sector as a key growth driver which will rake in necessary revenue for the ‘poor’ state and increase the per capita income.
This was highlighted in a programme attended by Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Tourism Department D Vijay Kumar, Director of Tourism CVD Diengdoh, Editor, Outlook India Ruben Banerjee, tour operators, hoteliers and students.
Speaking at the World Tourism Day held at the State Convention Centre on Friday, Kumar said, “We must all acknowledge that Meghalaya is one of poorer states of India as the per capita income is lower than the national average.”
Kumar, who is also the state Commissioner and Secretary of Finance, said the vision which the state government has in mind while drafting vision statement of the state is to improve the income of every citizen of the state and to make the per capita of the state above the national average in 10 years time.
“We are among the bottom six states in terms of per capita income,” he said.
He observed that to increase the per capita income by concentrating in agriculture is not feasible as the sector encounters constraints while a focus on industries will cause environment issues.
Kumar also said that Meghalaya offers tourists the luxury of nature as a product and unique experiential economy such as root bridges, sericulture and others.
However, he expressed concern on the infrastructure deficit in the state and said that work should start to build supporting infrastructure in the state in an effort to create a durable, global brand of tourism.
To promote tourism in the state, he also said that the government is working on launching a tourism website and an App.
Meanwhile, Director of Tourism, CVD Diengdoh stressed on promoting responsible and sustainable tourism and informed that the state has been making strides on eco-tourism and rural tourism.
“We have to promote the brand of tourism that will protect and preserve our culture, food, cuisine model of tourism that benefits the people at large,” he said.
The theme for this year’s celebration is ”Tourism and Jobs: A better future for all”.
The inaugural programme was followed by a workshop on ‘Of homestays and eco-tourism initiatives in Meghalaya and best practices/examples across the country’ by Outlook Responsible Tourism representative; ‘How to become a successful homestay owner?’ by Head of Operations, Grassroutes Journeys Sushma Mishra; presentation by Meghalaya Village Development & Promotion Tourism Cooperative Society Ltd; ‘What are the career opportunities in adventure tourism?’ by CEO, Mercury Adventures, Akshay Kumar; Case Study by Meghalaya Rural Tourism Forum, Alan West and others.
