SHILLONG, May 9: In yet another boost for Meghalaya tourism, a rural hospitality complex in Kongthong village is in the offing as part of the Rs 7.45 crore project under the Mega Eco Tourism Infrastructure Development Project to be undertaken in the ‘whistling village’.
The government intends to promote tourism in Khatarshnong area under Sohra Civil Sub Division with this intervention.
Talking to The Shillong Times here on Tuesday, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh said that an accommodation unit with the best facilities possible will also be constructed. Tendering process has already begun, he added.
Lyngdoh had earlier announced the project during his recent visit to Kongthong village. “Once this is completed, it will enhance the importance and popularity of Kongthong village. We should be in a position to have this unit ready within the next one year depending on weather conditions. But ideally it should take us about a year to complete,” Lyngdoh said.
The Tourism minister said that the state government has ambitious plans to boost the tourism sector in the state.
On the plans to tap into externally aided projects, he said that the Asian Development Bank is partnering with the government to develop tourism in the state.
Lyngdoh further said that he had met Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy to develop tourism in Meghalaya.
He said that the state government will also invest from the state budget funds for the ultimate goal.
“We will look for more partners because a lot of other agencies and international bodies are also interested to augment tourism in Meghalaya,” the minister said.
