Staff Reporter
Shillong, July 2: The state government will constitute an empowered committee to review the overall growth of tourism in the state.
The empowered committee will be chaired by the Chief Minister and Minister in-charge Tourism, chief secretary, senior-most secretary, Tourism, other relevant departmental secretaries and any other member(s) as notified by the Tourism department from time to time, according to the new Meghalaya Tourism Policy, 2023 released by the chief minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday.
A high-powered committee chaired by the chief secretary will also be constituted to review the progress made by various departments/agencies against the various key performance indicators marked in the performance management framework, it said.
An independent committee for standards will also be put in place to set and review the standards for the various activities in the tourism supply chain. This could include recommending standards on accommodation, tourist vehicles, guides, adventure sports, restaurants and other ancillary activities related to tourism.
The committee could also provide standard certifications to the complying entities. The committee may meet periodically to assess and review the standards.
While highlighting the thrust areas where actions will be initiated in the immediate, medium and long term to achieve overall vision of the government, the policy said that the government shall endeavour to work towards creating land banks across all the major tourist locations, destinations, routes which can then be handed over or leased to interested and eligible third parties to build infrastructure or undertake tourism-related activities.
This will be done in collaboration with all the stakeholders including communities and such endeavors will be in accordance with the PPP policy of the state.
It said that the government will also try to double the number of accommodation units in the state within the next five years, 50 per cent of them being of high value (tariff higher than Rs 5,000). The government will also build iconic structures besides development of wayside amenities.
To improve air connectivity in the state, the government will strive to take the necessary steps to establish direct connectivity with major cities such as New Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Chennai.
Further, efforts shall be made to operationalize the Baljek airport in Tura to improve connectivity to Garo Hills.
The government may also consider expanding the helicopter services to Williamnagar, Dawki and Sohra. Further, keeping the long-term objective of attracting high-value tourists to the state, the government may also explore the possibility of setting up a greenfield airport to cater to larger flights.
The government will also take steps to improve the overall road connectivity within the state and particularly to the tourist destinations.
The policy also said that the government also develop new circuits beyond Umiam, Shillong and Sohra in a hub and spoke model. These may include the creation of infrastructure and connectivity to newer regions.
Asserting the need to promote experiential tourism, the policy said the government will also take efforts to promote events which will also endeavour to facilitate the creation of platforms and facilities where tourists can experience and participate in the vibrant festivals.
It said that the state has not been able to leverage its strengths in music and convert it into a successful tourism product. The Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project is a step in this direction, and it may be expanded to cover more destinations, including in other states, in the future.
The tourism department will also take steps to encourage and promote adventure tourism as one of the flagship tourism products in partnership with the adventure tour operators’ association and other stakeholders.
The policy also said that the government is committed to prioritizing the safety and hygiene of tourists and residents.
A dedicated police team will be set up as tourist police force. Taxi services play a vital role in tourist transportation. Hence, the government could focus on ensuring safe and comfortable road transit for tourists.
All the tourist taxis may be enrolled with the tourism department, it added.