Workshop Explores Responsible Tourism in Meghalaya

Staff Correspondent

Shillong: There has been a 80 per cent growth in the tourism sector in Meghalaya in the past decade, a joyous message that also comes along with measuring thoughts on responsible tourism. The issue of responsible tourism came into light during the one-day workshop organized by Outlook Responsible Tourism and the Government of Meghalaya in Shillong on Monday.

Speaking on the occasion, Additional Chief Secretary Rebbeca V Suchiang threw light on the huge footfall of tourists into the State in the last ten years. Claiming that Meghalaya has no more peak season for tourist, she illustrated the impact on the positive and the negative front. “Look at the 500 year living root bridge where 15 to 20 people at one go walk by and take selfies and photographs”, she said, adding, “We should be responsible enough to let the living bridge live and lure more people further”.

During his address at the inaugural programme, Meghalaya Home Minister, James PK Sangma spoke on the significance of the workshop even as he stated that the workshop is important considering the boom in tourism activities in the State in recent years.

Dwelling at length on the harmony shared by nature with the tribal way of life, the minister in his speech stressed on the need to practice sustainable tourism by all concerned through adoption of responsible tourism to ensure that the ecology and the livelihood of the people are sustained in the long run.

K Sangma also expressed hope that the benefits of the workshop will be reaped by hoteliers, tour operators, co-operative societies and other stakeholders involved in the tourism sector.

The day-long workshop featured presentations by experts on topics like ‘A Road Map for Building Responsible Businesses in Meghalaya’, ‘Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort’ and ‘How to Use Free Digital Tools to Help Your Business Grow’.

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