Meghalaya is poised to witness a major boost in tourism this year, with the state expecting to cross 20 lakh visitors, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh announced on Friday.
The minister attributed this projected surge to a mix of strategic promotion, high-profile visits, and upcoming initiatives aimed at enhancing the state’s appeal as a top tourist destination.
He noted the recent visit by a parliamentary committee that spent three days in the state, along with the presence of iconic personalities like Sachin Tendulkar, significantly elevated Meghalaya’s image. “These visits by such figures help project Meghalaya as the ultimate tourist destination,” he remarked.
As part of the government’s initiative to improve the visitor experience, Lyngdoh revealed that around 50 individuals will be engaged as “tourist buddies” to assist and guide tourists across major locations, starting with the state capital. These include popular spots like Ward’s Lake, Golf Links, and Khyndailad.
Responding to a query on promotional strategies, Lyngdoh said the government is actively collaborating with various publications and platforms to boost visibility. “We are talking to various journals. For instance, Outlook magazine is one of our partners. In fact, we have been selected to partner with Outlook, and we will certainly consider such offers positively,” he stated.
Lyngdoh said the government will release its tourism calendar within the next two weeks, a move expected to further energise the sector.
