Govt investment of Rs 23.5 cr in festivals generated economic stimulus of Rs 133.42 cr
“For every Re 1 spent on tickets, an additional Rs 334 was yielded across hospitality, travel, dining, and local shopping” – Paul Lyngdoh, Tourism Minister
Shillong, June 28: Tourism is rapidly emerging as a major economic sector of Meghalaya – literally meaning “Abode of Clouds” – thanks to increased government focus and participation of private players attracted by the potential in the state with bountiful pristine natural landscapes.
One of the key indicators of the growth of the sector is the six-fold return of government investment in organising various festivals in the state.
While the state government invested Rs 23.5 crore in various festivals in the last season, they generated a total economic stimulus of Rs 133.42 crore, a six-fold return on investment, tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh informed on Friday.
The festivals in the last season witnessed a football of 3.86 lakh tourists, 60,000 organic social posts, 20 million reel views, the minister said.
Total revenue from ticket sales was Rs 29.1 crore, hotel revenue Rs 33.8 crore, allied activities including transport and local shopping Rs 37.1 crore, food and beverages Rs 6.9 crore, and event expenses Rs 18 crore, the minister said.
Lyngdoh said the festival season also generated employment and livelihood opportunities, with 5,509 daily jobs created across event value chains.
Visitors from across India and abroad attended the festivals, with 1,762 visitors from Maharashtra and 224 from Odisha, among other states.
Besides, Shillong and Sohra experienced full occupancy, contributing nearly 27% of the total stimulus. Aviation revenue stood at Rs 16.80 crore, with over 18,000 tourists traveling by air. Cab services earned Rs 5.38 crore.
On the digital and community impact, the minister highlighted the growth of an inclusive ecosystem benefiting women-led home kitchens, local artisans, and micro-enterprises.
“For every Rs 1 spent on tickets, an additional Rs 334 was yielded across hospitality, travel, dining, and local shopping,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the minister also announced the main headliners for the upcoming Cherry Blossom Festival, scheduled for November 14 and 15.
Jason Derulo and The Script will perform at the festival, which will also feature synchronized LED-wrist bands for all attendees.
The festival will promote walking as a way of life, with a pedestrian zone declared for the duration of the event, he added.
Responding to a query, the minister emphasized that Meghalaya has been at the forefront of promoting concert economy, a concept recently highlighted by the Prime Minister. The state government’s efforts have yielded significant returns, proving that concert economy is here to stay and will continue to be a part of Meghalaya’s economy.
Asked on the contribution of tourism to Meghalaya’s GDP, the minister revealed that tourism has become the third-largest sector in Meghalaya’s economy, a major jump from earlier years due to improved accommodation facilities.
