SHILLONG, Feb 6: The state government on Saturday said the inflow of tourists into the state has picked up and will improve further in the coming days.
Director of Tourism, CVD Lyngdoh said since the day Meghalaya opened its gate for tourists in December last year, a lot of tourists started visiting the state.
He said the government is trying hard to use the Shillong-Delhi and Shillong-Kolkata direct flight services to boost the tourism sector.
Lyngdoh said with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, people have now started travelling and many are interested in visiting Meghalaya and other states in the Northeast.
Stating that the state government has reduced the minimum duration of stay by the tourists from two days to one day so people can come to the state during weekends, he said that the government is taking all measures to promote tourism in the state.
“The inflow of tourists will pick up more in the coming days although we have to keep public health in mind,” he said.
The Tourism Director said the government wants to promote the state on the principles of zero waste and right pricing and build right capacity for communities since many of the tourist destinations are managed by them.
Talking about a new initiative, Lyngdoh said the government is looking to start a passenger cable car service from Shillong Peak which will be of European standards.
“The feasibility report has been submitted and other processes such as the preparation of DPR are on,” he said.
Under the Swadesh Darshan programme 2, the government is developing new circuits in Jaintia Hills, West Khasi Hills and Garo Hills and the government has received a sanction of Rs 85 crore from the Union government, he said.
“The idea is to take tourism to new places,” Lyngdoh said, adding, “The government has received funds under PRASAD scheme. Under it, the government is looking to develop places like Nartiang temple, Nongsawlia church in Sohra and other spiritual and religious places across the state.”
In addition, he said, the government is looking to develop different trekking stretches including David Scott trail, trails in Sohra and Nokrek.
Talking about the process which the tourists are required to follow while entering the state, Lyngdoh said the process of E invite is very simple and people just have to upload one ID on the app and bring a COVID negative certificate.
“It takes just 2-3 minutes. The system has several benefits. A tourist will no longer have to produce his/her documents elsewhere in the state” he said.
The hoteliers will scan the QR code while a tourist checks in, the Tourism Director said.
Stating that the app will be improved, he said the government will add features that will enable people to book entry tickets of certain tourist destinations. The features will also have lists of tourist guides and other necessary information about tourist-related activities and destinations.