By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 21: Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh has stated that efforts are under way to further strengthen the unprecedented growth Meghalaya has witnessed in its tourism sector.
“Tourism has seen remarkable growth, and we are committed to ensuring that the current popularity and momentum Meghalaya has gained will be further solidified in the years to come. The footfall has been tremendous,” Lyngdoh said in response to a query about the state of Meghalaya’s tourism sector this year.
He added, “Before the year ends, we’ve already signed an agreement for another five-star hotel in the heart of the city. This demonstrates the significant progress we’ve made — taking tourism in Meghalaya to the next level.”
When asked for specific statistics, Lyngdoh said, “We are still compiling data from two major events — the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Bryan Adams concert. However, the numbers should not be less than 30 lakh visitors.”
Meghalaya’s efforts to position itself as a premier tourist destination are paying off, with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and high-profile music events attracting visitors from across India and abroad.
The success of recent festivals and concerts has drawn massive crowds, and the numbers are expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
It is also worth noting that the recently released ‘BookMyShow Throwback Year-End Report’ has highlighted a surge in music tourism across the country. Tier-2 cities like Shillong, Kanpur, and Gandhinagar experienced dramatic growth in live events, with a 682% increase compared to previous years, signalling a democratisation of entertainment access nationwide.