Tourism booming in state: Conrad

SHILLONG, Aug 24: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday said Meghalaya has been receiving an unprecedented number of tourists.
He could not quantify the number, nor could his officer Vijay Kumar D.
“After two years of COVID, tourism is picking up and the response is like never before. We have a huge inflow of tourists,” Sangma said.
The state government, he said, would spend Rs 12-15 crore to attract more tourists. The government also expects financial support from corporate houses for various festivals scheduled in winter, he added.
“We are organising the Megha Kayak Fest from October 13-16 at Umtham village. Rs 55 lakh will be spent on this event,” the Chief Minister said.
A sponsorship of Rs 25 lakh has been estimated for the Autumn Festival to be held at Umiam Lake from October 29-30.
The government has earmarked Rs 5 crore for the North East Olympic Games to be held from October 30 to November 6.
An estimated Rs 1.21 crore would also be spent on the Meghalaya International Film Festival, Rs 1 crore on Winter Tales, Rs 2.5-3 crore on Me-Gong Festival and Rs 2.5 crore on the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, Sangma said.
The Chief Minister defended the holding of festivals despite bad roads, traffic jams and issues such as the grievances of teachers.
“Even big nations have issues but that does not mean the state will not promote tourism,” he said, insisting the problems of the teachers are being resolved.