Shillong, June 18: The Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, successfully hosted a State-Level Consultative Workshop today centered around the theme ‘Developing Global Standard Tourist Destinations’. Held at the State Guest House, Taraghar, Shillong, the event brought together distinguished guests, officers, and stakeholders to collectively shape the future of tourism in the state.
Driven by the vision of Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India to develop global standard tourist destinations to attract tourists and boost the local economies.This ambitious direction is further bolstered by the recent visit of Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism, to Umiam and New Shillong.
The Union Minister underscored the immense potential of tourism sector emerge as the growth engine’ of the Nation alongside the State’s travel economy and further aligned with the progressive vision of Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya to establish the State as a premier high-value, sustainable tourism hub, Meghalaya has mandated to propose New Shillong as its premier tourist hub.
In his keynote speech, Shri Timothy D. Shira, Minister of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, saidthatit marks a pivotal shift towards elevating the State’s tourism landscape.
To manage this growth professionally, he highlighted the establishment of a dedicated Destination Management Organisation (DMO) to ensure quality, inter-departmental cooperation, and single-point responsibility.
Stressing on the importance of sustainable and responsible development that actively involves entrepreneurs and local communities, he noted, “Tourism must not come at the cost of our environment or our cultural identity. Instead, it should strengthen both.”
In her address, Smt Rosetta Mary Kurbah, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, emphasized on a collaborative approach, urging the stakeholders, tour operators, and line departments to actively share innovative ideas to translate this vision into reality.
The objective is to build upon the State’s current footfall of 18 lakh visitors by attracting international tourists and encouraging experiential stays rather than simple day trips. She also highlighted the importance of developing high-quality infrastructure focusing on seamless connectivity, reliable water and power supplies, adequate planning to alleviate congestion, and overall beautification.
To support the emerging surge of visitors, Tourist Circuits and destination should have high-end hospitality infrastructure with localised infrastructure highlighting the culture, traditions and customs.
Notably the iconic monolith tower planned around the cost of ₹450 crore will stand at an impressive 123 meters and set to be the second tallest public monument in the country after the Statue of Unity in Gujarat.
This unique infrastructure is expected to offer an unparalleled cultural experience for the visitors and has the potential to encourage the selection of New Shillong as the Global Destination given the investments and master plan to develop it.
The plan includes a high-value tourism ecosystem anchored by an iconic tower structure complex featuring a skywalk. This central attraction will seamlessly integrate immersive galleries, restaurants, cafeterias, and souvenir shops.
Furthermore, the plan earmarks spaces for recreation, including a public park, an amusement park, and a dedicated Meghalayan theme park designed to showcase local culture and sports.
To support this the destination will have high-end hospitality infrastructure, featuring both a luxury resort and a luxury hotel, alongside major hosting facilities such as an event ground, a convention centre, and the upcoming football stadium.
Discussions were also held regarding Umiam on its transformation into a world-class tourist destination. Stakeholders are actively collaborating to establish a roadmap focusing on infrastructure, environment and enhanced connectivity.
The day culminated into an interactive session involving all the stakeholders, aimed at elevating the State’s profile, attract global tourists and boost livelihood opportunities through participation and partnership.
