Meghalaya Government on Friday made public Tourism Policy 2023.
Calling the Tourism sector a game changer, Minister Incharge of Tourism Paul Lyngdoh on Friday said, the jobs in the Government sector are dwindling no matter how much people dwelt upon the reservation policy.
“We definitely see tourism as a game changer because how much we dwelt upon the reservation policy, we know the opportunity in the Government sector are dwindling. Infact there is a large army of 60 thousand youths to join the employment market every year, it’s a huge number,” Lyngdoh said.
The Minister expressed confidence that Meghalaya is headed for far bright days ahead if tourism is encouraged.
“Unless, we identify encourage, and strengthen tourism as a sector, we see the opportunities in the public sector have become very marginalised,” he said.
The Minister further said the Government has identified 10 thrust areas under Tourism Policy 2023 which will be guiding the growth trajectory of tourism in Meghalaya.
“The whole point being that the Government will play the role of the leader, the guide but again we also need the support of all cross section of the stakeholders and we need this policy because we want to encourage the growth of tourism in a planned manner and not in a haphazard manner,” Lyngdoh said.
The new Meghalaya Tourism Policy 2023 is being formulated after 11 years and is designed to help the state in adapting to the necessary changes in the sector and will also look into sustainability aspects.
“Post pandemic, there has been an increase in tourist footfall; we have close to 15 lakh visitors including foreign tourists,” he added.
The state Government will also be creating several tourism circuits in all districts of the state. They will be funded by ADB, World Bank and wherever there is need for gap funding the state government will fund.