Shillong, Feb 22: The much-hyped Cherry Blossom Festival in November last year was attended by tourists from all around the country, out of which only 1269 tourists can be termed as high-value tourists.
The total tourists who attended the festival were 22,991.
It may be mentioned that the state is pushing niche-tourism and welcoming high-value tourists, who spend more and contribute handsomely to the state economy.
This was informed by State Tourism Minister, Paul Lyngdoh on Thursday, in a reply to a question raised North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum, in the state Assembly.
The government is categorising the high-value tourists by evaluating their stay in five star hotels like Vivanta and Marriott.
The tourists who stayed in mid-range hotels were 15,205 during the festival while 6,517 tourists stayed in homestays.