SHILLONG: In a bid to revive the tourism sector in Meghalaya which has been battered due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a delegation of Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum (MTDF), Meghalaya Rural Tourism Forum (MRTF) and Federation of Shillong Hotels (FOSH), met Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and presented a document envisaging tourism in the state entitled ‘Meghalaya Tourism —The Next Chapter 2020 and Beyond’ along with an abstract of the treks and trails, which highlighted the unique selling proposition (USP) of destinations in Meghalaya, particularly the rural areas, which have attracted nature lovers from all over the country and world.
The document suggested the need for a regulatory authority in the rural areas to streamline the development of tourism infrastructure and hospitality services in keeping with the concept of high-value tourism.
The stakeholders also pointed out the danger of haphazard constructions in the destinations, which have spoiled the natural beauty of the pristine ecosystems.
The document also put emphasis on sustainable tourism taking into consideration the pressure of mass tourism which was not desired in the long term.
During the meeting with the chief minister, the delegation also pitched for restricting construction of high-rise structures while suggested a mechanism which is based on aesthetics besides structures that blend with the ecosystem of the area. They also pressed for the need to keep the waterfronts in lakes and river destinations at least 50 metres away from structures so as to maintain the beauty and sanctity of the water bodies.
Another aspect of the document was developing Shillong as a tourist hub by setting up an Art & Music centre at the old Assembly campus, a hawkers’ market at the Meghalaya transport depot property, more parking space and a green space at Barik PWD campus.
It emphasised the need for integration of agriculture, horticulture, fisheries and other departments with Tourism as a holistic approach towards achieving the long term goals.
The chief minister, after a patient hearing of the ideas, shared with the delegation the plans of the government with regard to Tourism development in the state.
He mentioned that the goal of high-value tourism has been the long-term strategy of the state government, while adding that there were a number of ideas and projects in the pipeline which the department has initiated towards building a strong tourism ecosystem.
Conrad also informed the delegation that the government has been successful in getting a Rs 700 crore aid to develop tourism in the state.
He, however, admitted that there was a need for regulating haphazard construction in rural areas, while stating that a long-term plan for creating iconic structures in Shillong is in the offing.
Conrad, who is also in charge of Tourism, said that the government would not involve itself in the Tourism business and trade but facilitate private enterprise in the sector.
With regard to air travel, the chief minister cited the example of the USA model, which is based on small 20 to 30-seater jet aircrafts, as a viable option.
He reiterated that the state can be open for tourists subject to the prevailing pandemic situation.
The chief minister concluded with the suggestion of holding a tourism conclave between the department and stakeholders in the future for better understanding of the issues related to tourism in state.