SHILLONG, OCT 4: Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh announced on Friday that a government-constituted committee will meet with various tourism stakeholders, including taxi associations, next week to discuss key issues impacting the sector.
“We have already constituted an expert committee led by our tourism director. He is meeting the taxi associations next week,” Lyngdoh said while speaking to reporters. He further noted, “The various stakeholders of tourism have already had an engagement where the Khasi Taxi Drivers Association was also invited and participated just last week. Next week again, the official committee is meeting the association.”
Addressing the demand from the taxi association to implement the Sikkim model in Meghalaya, Lyngdoh expressed openness to discussions. “Our mind is still very open. They are talking to the official committee next week. Once those talks move forward, the committee will then apprise me of possible solutions, and I see there’s nothing that can’t be solved where this issue is concerned,” he said.
On tourism development, Lyngdoh highlighted the growing appeal of Meghalaya as a destination for world-class musicians. He shared that artists like Akon, set to perform during the Cherry Blossom Festival, and Bryan Adams, who will visit in December, showcase the state’s unique draw. “Meghalaya has become a brand apart as a tourism destination,” Lyngdoh said, adding that while challenges exist, solutions are always within reach if there is a genuine effort to address them.
The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2024 promises a stellar lineup, featuring international stars like Akon, Boney M’s Maizie Williams, and Hong Kong rapper-singer Lucas. The festival, scheduled for November 15-16 at the RBDSA Sports Complex, will mark Akon’s return to India and Lucas’ performance.