MRTF Combats Pressure Groups Disrupting Meghalaya Tourism
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 1: The Meghalaya Rural Tourism Forum (MRTF), comprising 15 organizations and traditional bodies, has united against pressure groups hampering local livelihoods by intimidating tourists and restricting their movement. This collective met Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Thursday to denounce an incident on July 26 where pressure group members forced Assam-registered vehicles to turn back at Umtyngar.
The MRTF president, Allan West Kharkongor, shared that stakeholders from the Khasi and Jaintia Hills region, including homestay owners, guides, and community leaders, convened urgently on July 27. The groups expressed outrage over actions that jeopardize a decade’s effort to promote regional tourism. Kharkongor noted that the incident led to a 30% cancellation of accommodation bookings and adversely affected tourist-dependent businesses, projecting a further decline due to the negative impression created nationwide.
“We shall no longer remain silent spectators to disturbances and lawlessness created by such NGOs. These actions threaten to ruin the tourism industry,” Kharkongor stated, urging the government to maintain law and order vital for Meghalaya’s tourism growth.
In proactive suggestions, the MRTF recommended the government request the Airports Authority of India fast-track the introduction of mid-size aircraft to Shillong Airport, as recently suggested by the High Court of Meghalaya. Flights between Shillong and national metros could alleviate conflicts between taxi operators from Assam and Meghalaya. The Forum also proposed a consistent shuttle bus service between the airport, Shillong, and Sohra, and the establishment of a police outpost at Umtyngar. Additionally, the introduction of Mobile Tourist Police bikes along the Umtyngar-Dawki and Umtyngar-Sohra routes was suggested to enhance tourist safety.
“Such steps can send positive signals to tourists planning to visit Meghalaya during the next festival season,” concluded Kharkongor, anticipating affirmative government response.
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Original Story https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/08/02/call-to-dissuade-anti-tourists-groups/
Category : MEGHALAYA
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