Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) chairman Sanbor Shullai met Union Secretary for Tourism, Rakesh Kumar Verma and discussed the central’s support to tourism development in the State.
Shullai also sought release of the second installment for development of Northeast Circuit implemented by MTDC as well as early sanction for development of the Spiritual Circuit, for which the state had submitted a total project costs of Rs. 73.50 crore.
The Secretary Tourism has assured Shullai that project will be sanctioned at the earliest after some changes in the guidelines.
The MTDC chairman also briefed Verma that the State has benefitted from sustained self revenue generation and employment from Swadesh scheme and 100 per cent utilisation certificate has been submitted by MTDC till date.
He also requested the Union Secretary Tourism, to support the state by sanctioning of various funds so as to support the 20 years vision document to be launched by MTDC for overall tourism development and employment generation for the state and its youth.
Shullai also suggested that he will submit a proposal of MTDC through state Government to tie up with India tourism development corporation (ITDC) & Tourism Finance Corporation for financing tourism projects including hotel and home stays at reasonable and also for tourism development purpose. This will boost investment in tourism, he said.
Shullai also met officials of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and also requested in a letter through Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda to grant funds for development and extension of Pinewood as Heritage hotel for creation of more jobs for unemployed tribal youth beside revenue generation.
He said that there is a need to urgently address the issues of those engaged in the tourism sector as lakhs of people are directly or indirectly linked with the tourism industry.
