Shillong, Sep 15: Differences among the tourism stakeholders regarding the demand for ban on outside taxis in tourists spots of Meghalaya have come to the fore with Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum (MTDF) opposing the demand mainly raised by All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA).
“The MTDF believes that such restrictions could hamper the growth of tourism in Meghalaya, which has been promoted as a scenic destination with a focus on warmth and seamless experience for visitors,” the Forum said in a letter to AKMTTA
“Any obstacles to tourist movement could discourage many visitors from visiting the state,” it argued.
Sounding caution over such measures, the Forum said, “Such measures set an undesirable precedent and may inadvertently hamper the growth of tourism in our State. Tourists visit Meghalaya not just for its scenic beauty, but also for the warmth and seamless experience they receive.” MTDF chairman Larsing Sawyan said in the letter.
Expressing concern over the taxi association’s demand, the Forum advocated for working collaboratively to grow the tourism market and build a sustainable model that benefits everyone.
The MTDF said tourism is a multi-stakeholder industry requiring inputs from all stakeholders for introducing tourism regulations.
Explaining MTDF’s role in promoting Meghalaya as a tourism destination since the sector’s infancy, the Forum said, “Today after more than 20 years of inception, we are confident that Meghalaya Tourism has a bright future ahead.”
Meanwhile, the Forum underlined the role of railways in promoting tourism, saying, “We are of the opinion that if Meghalaya has a fully functional all-season airport and a luxury high speed railway line, tourism will not only boom in Khasi and Jaintia hills but will also greatly benefit the local tourist taxi operators.”
“This will give our tourist taxi drivers a full monopoly on servicing the logistical requirements of visitors into the state,” the letter added.
Emphasising that tourism is a multi-stakeholder industry, the Forum said, “Apart from transport operators, it includes hotel, resort, guest house and homestay owners, restaurants, cafés, guides, and countless small businesses and artisans.”
“Each of these sectors has an equal stake in how tourism is shaped and conducted in Meghalaya. Therefore, discussions and decisions on tourism policies or regulations must be inclusive, with inputs from all stakeholders,” Sawyan said in the letter.
Making a call to avoid imposing restrictions, he said, “We respectfully urge that actions such as protests, restrictions, or unilateral regulations be avoided, as they risk undermining the collective progress we all aspire to.”
“Instead, the solution lies in growing the tourism market together and building Meghalaya into a destination where there is no ‘off season’,” he said.
