Meghalaya Tour Operators Urged To Get Accreditation From Tourism Ministry

* Presently, no tour operator from State is accredited

* Criteria for registration relaxed for NE

A REPORTER

SHILLONG: Not even a single tour operator from Meghalaya has approached the Ministry of Tourism for certificate of accreditation. This was stated by the Regional Director, Ministry of Tourism, Sankha Subhra Devbarman while speaking at a meeting held with hoteliers, tour operators and travel agents in the city here on Saturday. Devbarman also highlighted the importance of such a certificate if they want to enhance their business.

He added that branding is needed and this can be done through the Ministry.

Stating that the Ministry is keen to promote tourism in the State, the Regional Director pointed out that the Ministry has many schemes and he urged stakeholders concerned to come forward and take advantage of such schemes.

He also informed that the Union Tourism Minister is likely to visit the State on June 21, which coincides with the celebration of the Yoga Day.

The president of the Federation of Shillong Hotels admitted that none of the tour operators from the State have registered so far with the Ministry of Tourism and said, “What kept us off for so many years was because the criteria for registration was so high.”

He, however, informed that it was only recently that the Ministry had decided to relax the criteria for registration for the tour operators of the North East region. “I hope with this relaxation, we will be able to register ourselves with the Ministry keeping in mind the importance of market development system,” the president said.

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