By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 8: Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh believes the decline in the tourist inflow into the state is a temporary setback and is hopeful that the state will bounce back and welcome more tourists with a host of concerts, festivals and events being planned in the coming months.
Asked if the tourism sector has been dealt a major blow because of the HNYF action against Assam tourist vehicles, Lyngdoh said it is a temporary setback.
“It is unfortunate that this group of anti-social elements damaged the reputation of the state in the eyes of the world. But I am sure we will bounce back very soon as major events are on the anvil. The various tourism festivals will carry on as usual. It is going to be a huge season for tourists,” he said.
He said the government has taken up the concerns of the groups on registration of migrant workers very seriously and there is no reason for anybody to take the law into their hands.
Talking about the eagerly-awaited Bryan Adams – So Happy It Hurts Tour 2024 which will kick off from Shillong, Lyngdoh said as many as 10,000 tickets have already been sold for the concert.
“Alan Walker (Norwegian DJ and record producer) will also be performing here in September,” he added.
On the upcoming Tourism conclave, he said it would be held on August 14 and would be a day-long affair.
Lyngdoh said he will inaugurate the conclave in the morning where they will involve stakeholders across the entire spectrum of the tourism sector.
According to him, over 200 participants drawn from the various activities involving tourism will be invited and Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma will grace the valedictory programme.
On the issue of the All Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association, he said that they will discuss the issues raised by the association separately.
“We hope that we will be able to arrive at a convergence and then come up with a strategy that takes care of the interests of the various stakeholders in the tourism sector,” Lyngdoh added.