By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 15: As Shillong revels in the Cherry Blossom Festival extravaganza, hoteliers have suggested that the Meghalaya government consider extending the duration of the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival by 3–4 days in the future, similar to the week-long Hornbill Festival.
“There is a lot of hype around the festival and it’s growing. We would definitely like to see it continue for 3-4 days,” Parambir Singh Sehdave, president of the Federation of Shillong Hotels, said.
Hotel occupancy in the city remains comfortable, with no overflow of tourists even during the ongoing Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival. In previous years, many visitors struggled to find accommodation, but the situation this time appears manageable.
Sehdave said that even hotels across the city still have vacant rooms. “Perhaps many tourists from neighbouring states prefer to attend the show, return to Guwahati the same day, and come back again the next day,” he said, adding that room rates in Shillong tend to rise slightly during such festivals.
The Meghalaya government is optimistic that the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 will attract more than 50,000 overnight tourists this year, with overall footfall expected to touch several lakhs, including day visitors.
