The State Tourism Policy 2023 is a comprehensive document based on ground research. In Meghalaya the tourism sector provides livelihoods to almost 50,000 people and is estimated to contribute about 4.1% to the State’s GSDP. If appropriately developed, tourism can have several beneficial effects on the economy. The word “If” here is key to the sustenance of tourism in the state. So, what do the words “If properly developed,” indicate here? Tourism requires strategic planning which cannot be driven by the need for quick returns on investments – a dictum which some tour promoters seem to believe is the sole purpose of tourism. The overkill on tourism sites which do not even have garbage management systems in place is one key area that tour promoters should be looking at. In several villages the work of cleaning up the mess left behind by tourists is that of ordinary citizens, mostly young people who have no stake in the tourism business but are doing it purely out of a social concern since they have to live in those places when the itinerant tourist leaves the place.
The Meghalaya Rural Tourism Cooperative Federation Limited was incorporated in 2013 under the Cooperation Department to provide financial support, guidance, technical skills, and management skills to all the affiliated Cooperative Societies undertaking rural tourism projects. Through the cooperative, the Government supports the construction of accommodation/homestays and other associated infrastructure such as markets across selected villages with high tourism potential. The ownership of these infrastructures lies with the local tourism cooperative societies, which are also in charge of the operations and maintenance of the properties. This arrangement is mutually beneficial except that not all tourist destinations are under these co-operatives. The Rural Tourism Societies that are working well are providing employment and entrepreneurial opportunities to hundreds of young women and men. Currently there are 36 Tourism Societies across the State. This is a model for community-led tourism. These Societies however have to internalise the meaning of ‘sustainable tourism,’ before rural tourism exceeds its carrying capacity.
What is also needed is short term training for local tourist taxi drivers who can also play the role of guides along with being tourist taxi drivers. This is integral to a good tourism experience. A driver therefore ought to know the history of the place he takes tourists to. He needs to read up and inform himself hence such guide books ought to be churned out by the Tourism Department. The word sustainable is linked to the environment which is and should be the highest priority areas since people of Meghalaya have to live and die here while tourists are fleeting visitors. The need to draw tourists here cannot be at the cost of the environment which is not replaceable. This is key to understanding the word ‘sustainability.’
