Shillong, Aug 6: The Meghalaya Directorate of Tourism has opened online applications for the Tourist Buddy Scheme, an initiative aimed at creating employment for local youth across the Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Ri-Bhoi district.
The last date to apply is August 14.
Under the scheme, local youth will be engaged as the first point of contact for tourists, providing information on attractions, local culture and safety while assisting in the management of tourist destinations. They will also monitor basic infrastructure, including roads, parking, public toilets, waste management and drinking water facilities, besides maintaining visitor records and reporting issues to the Tourism Department.
The initiative also focuses on visitor safety by ensuring the availability of life jackets, first-aid kits and trained guides at accident-prone sites, particularly near water bodies.
Selected candidates will be appointed on a one-year contractual basis, extendable based on performance, and will receive remuneration as per the government’s notified highly skilled wage rates, along with uniforms and identity cards.
Applicants must be 18-30 years old, have passed Class XII, and be residents of the village or locality where the tourist destination is located. Depending on tourist footfall, five to ten Tourist Buddies will be deployed at each destination.
The scheme is part of Meghalaya’s efforts to ensure that local communities benefit directly from the state’s growing tourism sector by creating jobs and involving residents in managing and promoting tourist destinations.
