At a ceremony held at Orchid Lake Resort, the Department of tourist, Government of Meghalaya, acknowledged stakeholders in the tourist industry and announced new initiatives to boost the sector.

The Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission has now sent out sanction letters to the first group of those who were accepted. More than 15,000 new employment and 3,000 additional homestays are projected to be created by the effort by the year 2028.

In addition, 58 recipients would receive up to Rs 3.40 crore in funding from the government’s Community-Led Tourism Infrastructure Scheme. Funds will be distributed according to the number of visitors to tourist locations, with amounts ranging from 5 lakh to 20 lakh rupees.

During the ceremony, the progress of the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme Homestay Scheme was further emphasised. This scheme has already sanctioned Rs 115.68 crore and distributed Rs 102 crore to over 900 beneficiaries. Ten hosts from the state each received Rs 20,000 in cash for their outstanding performances.

Infrastructure development and local participation have helped Meghalaya solidify its status as a tourist destination, according to Conrad K. Sangma. In addition, he mentioned that initiatives like as the Shillong Ropeway, Mawsynram’s Rain Museum, and Sohra’s tourism centers are anticipated to contribute to future expansion.

According to Timothy D. Shira, there are around 150 tourism projects taking place in Meghalaya, and the state welcomed over 18 lakh tourists in 2017.

Recognising tourism stakeholders who have made contributions to the hospitality ecosystem of the state and announcing scholarship funding for students at the Institute of Hotel Management were also part of the event.

Image Credit: ET Travel