A training programme on “Rural Tourism & Socio-Economic Development” was conducted for residents of Mawkdok village recently, which was organised by the Minot Multi-Function Society at Mawkdok community hall.
The programme was sponsored by the State government under the Voluntary Action Fund 2016-2017 the training is aimed to make villagers aware on the importance of the physical environment and a wide range of natural resources for promoting tourism of a particular area and how to tap these resources in order to increase their livelihood.
Over 50 villagers participated in the training on June 22 comprising of labourers, shopkeepers, carpenters, daily wage labourers and others.
Resource persons of the training, IHM vice principal Dr B. Kharshiing gave a presentation on Rural Tourism Services Management emphasizing on the importance of hospitality for sustainable tourism. She also informed that the region has a lot a scope for rural tourism, which will increase the economic development of the area and the region as a whole.
She said this can be materialized with the setting up of home stays, guest house, hotels and restaurants. She further informed the participants that there are various courses offered by the Institute of Hotel Management, Shillong, where students and unemployed youth of Meghalaya can join without having to appear for entrance exam.
Meghalaya Rural Tourism Forum chairperson, Alan West Kharkongor spoke at length on Rural Tourism Resources Management and the importance of preserving resources for sustainable tourism, which will not only benefit the current generation but the generations to come as well.
The villagers actively participated during the programme and have expressed their happiness on receiving such training programme, which is very informative and has given them knowledge on the various topics of Tourism Management.
Others who were present during the programme include IHM Principal, Vijay Kumar, headman of Mawkdok and members of the Minot Multi-Function Society.
