For a state whose economy is becoming increasingly geared towards tourism and for a government that latches on to any gong as proof of its work, it is unsurprising that the Best Tourism Village (Bronze) award for Kongthong has elicited glee in official circles.
Kongthong won this recognition at the National Tourism Awards 2023 in New Delhi, organised by the Union Ministry of Tourism.
The official press release from the state government did not shy away from reducing Kongthong’s cultural heritage to dub it the ‘Whistling Village’ even though it is so much more than that.
In the press release, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma waxed lyrical: “This recognition is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty that Meghalaya has to offer. Kongthong’s melodious whistles echo the harmony of our diverse traditions and the serenity of our landscapes.”
He and Commissioner and Secretary Vijay Kumar also talked up the government’s various tourism investments and schemes.
Kongthong boasts a unique cultural heritage that has captivated the hearts of travelers worldwide. With a population of approximately 750 inhabitants, this Meghalayan gem has preserved a tradition known as ‘Jingrwai Iawbei,’ which translates loosely to the “song of the first clan lady.”
This tradition assigns a unique tune to each child upon their birth, a melody that they carry with them throughout their lives. This cherished practice has been upheld by the people of Kongthong since time immemorial.
Today, following a World Tourism Day function here, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh said that such an award speaks volumes about where Meghalaya has reached.
More than 50,000 people have gained direct employment from tourism, with more indirectly benefiting, he said.
This growth in tourism will not be harmed even if Meghalaya implements the restrictive Inner Line Permit (ILP), he assured by somehow equating the state’s situation with strict visa rules in countries like Israel.
That is, if the state is able to attract the “right kind” of tourist. The state government appears to be disinclined towards day-tripping visitors from Guwahati and has a vision to turn Meghalaya into some sort of Shangri La (read Bhutan) where big-spending tourists sojourn.
“I have mentioned this once, that a country like Israel, for instance, is very difficult for visitors to access. But the tourism revenue of Israel is one of the top in the world. The visa system is more rigorous than the ILP being implemented in some of the states. It is therefore a fusion of various government initiatives to ensure that we cater to the right kind of tourist,” Lyngdoh said.
In the same vein, the minister felt that continuing opposition to railways will not really harm Meghalaya’s tourism potential. In fact, it is, in some ways, better that the state does not have a railway line to Shillong or a jet-capable airport.
“We are in association with Outlook (which organised the tourism function that Lyngdoh attended in Shillong) and we have introduced the responsible tourism awards. The idea being that we encourage responsible tourists to enter Meghalaya,” he said, adding that the state currently welcomes 15 lakh tourists a year and this number would only be greater with rail and aeroplane connectivity, which would negatively impact responsible tourism.
Nevertheless, Lyngdoh informed that the state government is working to upgrade the Shillong airport and that at Baljek in Garo Hills.
Meanwhile, concerning the Shillong Peak ropeway project, the minister informed that the government has received all necessary clearances, including from the defence forces and Forest Department. The government is now at the stage to call for an expression of interest and work on it should, if all goes well, begin before the year ends.
