Shillong, Oct 21: Tourism in Meghalaya has made significant progress over the years and turned into a major source of income for local communities in Meghalaya, Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira said on Tuesday.
“Those days in 1965 (when) I visited Cherrapunjee (Sohra), there was nothing but now there are many good hotels and many people have become rich and they are constructing good hotels,” Shira said.
With many people benefiting from the industry, the minister said, the government has taken steps to expand the Shillong Airport, which will enable bigger aircraft to land and bring more tourists to the state.
He also mentioned the upcoming expansion of the Baljek Airport in Garo Hills.
Emphasising on the importance of improving connectivity, he said, “Once construction of the bridge over Brahmaputra river at Phulbari is complete, it will connect Meghalaya to Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur, and other parts of Assam.”
Shira mentioned the upcoming festivals, including the Cherry Blossom, Wangala, and Meong festivals, and expressed his intention to explore new areas and improve existing tourist destinations.
He emphasized the importance of homestays in rural areas, which can provide accommodation options for tourists and benefit local communities.
The minister also stressed the need to develop tourist infrastructure, including improving access to attractions like the Siju cave.
He cited examples of cave tourism in other countries, where infrastructure development has enabled tourists to explore caves safely and enjoyably.
