Unforgettable Adventure: Meghalaya Hosts Crucial Tourism Summit to Supercharge Northeast Travel
Tourism ministers from North Eastern and Eastern states, alongside representatives from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, convened in Meghalaya on September 2 for a significant conference aimed at boosting the region’s tourism sector. Chaired by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the meeting marked the third in a series of regional consultations intended to enhance India’s tourism through collaborative efforts.
Minister Shekhawat unveiled ambitious plans to develop world-class destinations and improve various facets of the tourism experience, emphasising the role of public-private partnerships in driving sector growth. Highlighting the potential of states like Meghalaya within the Swadesh Darshan scheme, he noted that out of 76 tourism projects worth Rs 5000 crore undertaken between 2014 and 2019, 16 were in the Northeast.
The revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 will focus on sustainable tourism across 57 destinations. Additionally, the PRASAD scheme has seen considerable success, with 46 pilgrimage site projects worth Rs 1624 crore initiated. Shekhawat encouraged states to submit proposals covering spiritual, cultural, and eco-tourism, and announced plans for child-friendly destinations and enhancements to the Incredible India website.
Shekhawat praised the enthusiastic participation of states, describing it as one of the best meetings he has attended. Meghalaya’s Tourism Minister, Paul Lyngdoh, showcased the state’s unique attractions, including the UNESCO-recognised Mawmluh cave and scenic landscapes. Lyngdoh stressed the importance of community involvement, integral to Meghalaya’s tourism efforts, and highlighted the need for sustainable practices to manage over-tourism and infrastructure challenges.
Despite its burgeoning popularity, Meghalaya grapples with infrastructure limitations and imbalanced tourist distribution. The state government focuses on sustainable tourism, with initiatives like the Community-Led Tourism Infrastructure Development Scheme and the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP) aiding progress.
The conference, lasting over seven hours, addressed connectivity issues and the development of homestays. Minister Shekhawat committed to overcoming these challenges to enhance India’s tourism landscape. He will visit South West Khasi Hills district tomorrow to review local infrastructure projects.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/meghalaya/story/meghalaya-hosts-key-tourism-summit-to-boost-northeast-travel-1084708-2024-09-02?utm_source=rssfeed
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