In an effort to promote tourism in the state, Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma, recently inaugurated the "Travellers' Nest" in Kyiem village near the revered Khasi sacred forests. The facility includes five cottages and a restaurant, catering to visitors' needs, and is located 28 km south of the state capital.
During the event, Sangma also emphasised the importance of involving the community in the state's economic approach amid discussing other important matters as well. "Our strength lies in community involvement, which we are leveraging for our economic model," he said.
He highlighted various players' shared responsibility, including the government, the community, and the public. He emphasised that Meghalaya's progress can't happen in isolation. All stakeholders have specific roles, and identifying these roles while focusing on the main objective is crucial.
The government is actively promoting Meghalaya's strengths as a model for sustainable economic growth driven by the community. Sangma aims to create an economy and livelihood based on the state's advantages, and this model is one they aspire to showcase globally.
Tourism is a critical sector for the state, aiming to generate nearly one lakh job opportunities through collaborative efforts. Sangma highlighted the Chief Minister's Elevate program, which offers substantial subsidies for projects initiated by different entrepreneurs, self-help groups, and other entities.
The program aims to stimulate the economy through diverse initiatives, ranging from cinema halls to health clubs and tourism projects. Sangma also emphasised the importance of improved road infrastructure in the state, citing the ongoing road improvements as a testament to the government's commitment to connectivity.
He expressed confidence that Meghalaya's persistent efforts will lead to a prosperous and sustainable future. He urged everyone to remember that their progress is based on community participation and collaboration. During the event, Sangma also launched eight Toyota tourist vehicles as part of the Prime Tourism Vehicles scheme.
(With inputs from PTI)