Northeast, 15th August: On the eve of Independence Day, Meghalaya’s Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, announced a significant initiative to enhance the state’s tourism sector by appointing locals as ‘Tourist Assistants.’ These semi-uniformed personnel will serve as tour guides, provide security, and offer essential information to visitors, aiming to both improve tourist safety and create employment opportunities for local youth.
Addressing recent challenges in law and order that have impacted tourism, Sangma called for collective action to foster a positive environment that will attract more visitors to the state. He emphasized the government’s commitment to working closely with traditional leaders, local organizations, and stakeholders to further develop and promote tourism in Meghalaya.
Over the past six years, the state government has rolled out various initiatives to establish Meghalaya as a premier tourist destination. These efforts include upgrading infrastructure, such as hotels, resorts, and restaurants, and enhancing amenities like skywalks and museums. Key tourist hotspots, including Shillong, are receiving facelifts to make them more appealing to both domestic and international visitors.
The phased introduction of ‘Tourist Assistants’ is expected to play a crucial role in not only ensuring the safety and satisfaction of tourists but also in positioning Meghalaya as a welcoming and well-organized destination.
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