Shillong, September 27: The Department of Tourism along with the Department of Social Welfare joined hands with the rest of the world to celebrate World Tourism Day today at U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong on the theme Tourism for All – Promoting Universal Accessibility. The programme was graced by the presence of Shri Kennedy C Khyriem, Parliamentary Secretary, Tourism as the Chief Guest, Smti. R V Suchiang, Principal Secretary, Tourism, Smti. C Kharkongor, Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Shri Donald Ingty, Registrar, Martin Luther Christian University and Shri Carmo Noronha, Executive Director, Bethany Society. Representatives of travel agents, tours operators and hoteliers including students from management institutes, institutes for the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) also participated in the event.
Tourism is an expanding industry and a ‘passport to prosperity’ and it is duty bound for us to commit towards our goal to promote and develop tourism in Meghalaya, said Shri Kennedy Khyriem in his inaugural address. Stating that everyone has the right to access leisure and tourism services on an equal basis, it is highly important that as stakeholders, we promote accessibility for all in the physical environment, in transport systems, in public facilities and services and in information and communications channels, said Shri Khyriem. This year’s theme is a challenge for us to push for integration and to promote different culture and traditions and to work together to develop this industry of “great potential in terms of market and opportunities”, by removing all barriers and create an environment that can cater to the needs of all of us, whether we are travelling or staying at home, said Shri Khyriem.
Smti. Suchiang, in her introductory speech, said that in tourism terms, persons with disabilities include senior citizens, mothers with small children and prams besides physical disabilities. With tourism being an intrinsic part of inclusive policy, reaching universal accessibility in tourism is a shared responsibility of all parties involved in the tourism value chain, as well as a business opportunity for companies and destinations, she said. As the State witnessed an increase of travellers every year, Smti. Suchiang said that we need to ensure that travelling is safe and seamless as possible and that the Government in collaboration with stakeholders has endeavoured to ensure that all tourists’ spots are equipped with infrastructures and basic amenities inclusive for all.
Shri Noronha, in his speech, said that when a society is good for disabilities it becomes a good society, so also tourism for all promotes a better tourism. Stating that half the world population are ready to travel but still face obstacles in accessing fundamentals of travel such as reliable information, efficient transportation and public services and a physical environment that is easy to navigate, Shri Noronha reiterated that by providing an inclusive tourism, we are promoting safety and security to all, including persons with disabilities.
To mark the day, the Chief Guest felicitated persons with disabilities who are involved in Tourism related activities. These awardees included Bashai Sohtun, instructor in Cane & Bamboo, Rihun Phawa, assistant instructor weaving, Benister Kharpor, computer instructor for the visually impaired students, Shamonlang Nongrum, assistant instructor bakery, Rambor Kurkalang, assistant instructor, tailoring, Aijinghun Kharmalki, assistant instructor, leather & rexene, The awardees are from Roilang Livelihood Academy, Bethany Society, Shillong.
Songs and dances presented by students of Bethany Society and Mary Rice Centre for Special Education added attraction to the inaugural function.
Other programmes to mark the day included an exhibition cum sale of products produced by Persons with Disabilities and a workshop to sensitize the stakeholders.
