Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma recently released the new Tourism Policy document in the city.
Tourism in Meghalaya contributes over 4% to the state GDP and provides livelihood opportunities to about 50,000 people. The new policy not only envisions to generate more employment but also to promote sustainable and responsible tourism.
The current organisational set-up will have the Directorate of Tourism, Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation, Meghalayan Age Limited and the Meghalaya Rural Tourism Cooperative Federation Limited.
Among the core guiding principles of the new policy are sustainability, employment generation and entrepreneurship, community participation, technology and synergy with other departments.
Sangma also launched vehicles for tour operators and individuals. “As part of the scheme, we have rolled out 16 Innova Crysta today. The luxury vehicles will provide high quality mobility and will enhance the overall experience of the tourists,” he tweeted.
“Tourism Department have shortlisted 50 individuals and groups from over 600 applicants, who had applied for the scheme. The government is providing a 50 percent subsidy under the scheme, which includes repayment of loan for the next two years. As a Government, we have rolled out various schemes to promote tourism and providing luxury vehicles to individuals and groups will only add to creating a better ecosystem for the tourism sector,” the chief minister added.