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INDIAN STATE : MEGHALAYA
Tourism
Thrust areas
Based upon the opportunities available
in the State, the following forms of tourism have been
identified: -
| (a) |
Nature Tourism (Flora &
Fauna) - There is tremendous scope for development
of tourism based on wildlife in the State particularly
in Balpakram, Nokrek Biosphere reserve, Nongkhyllem
and Nongdaju areas in West Khasi Hills, National
parks and Game sanctuaries should be developed in
coordination with the Forest Department and requisite
facilities should be developed at or near such areas. |
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(b)
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Adventure Tourism- Comprising
of trekking, caving, water sports, hang gliding
bungee-jumping, mountain trekking, climbing etc
and abseiling activities. This type of tourism should
be promoted in close coordination with recognized
adventure associations. |
| (c) |
Cultural and Socio-cultural
Tourism (Fairs and Festivals) - Cultural Centres
are proposed to be developed in the major districts
of East Khasi Hills, West Garo Hills and Jaintia
Hills. Promotion of major fairs and festivals will
be effected in both domestic and international markets. |
| (d) |
Health resort Tourism - The
State as a whole is acquiring a reputation for alternative
medicine and also for producing natural healer.
Efforts will therefore be made to promote this type
of tourism through the development of healthcare
infrastructure. |
| (e) |
Golf Tourism - Meghalaya and
Shillong in particular have tremendous potential
for development of several golf courses. The temperate
climate also is a comparative advantage for promoting
this form of tourism. |
| (f) |
Conferencing and Convention
Tourism - The salubrious climate and beautiful natural
setting are a comparative advantage, which could
make Shillong in particular an important convention
centre. |
| (g) |
Sports Tourism - Once the studies
are completed, Shillong, Jowai and Tura can become
venues for one day international cricket tournaments
and other sports such as badminton, tennis and so
on. The temperate climate makes the State attractive
for such events.
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| (h) |
Casino Tourism - This form of
tourism is vital to overcome the constraints facing
tourism development in the State, as it will have
wide appeal especially in Muslim dominated countries
such as Bangladesh, Malaysia and Indonesia. However,
an international airport at Umroi is a prerequisite
if this project is to succeed. |
| (i) |
Travel/Transportation and Communications - To
reach the tourist destinations, considerate upgradation
of State and National Highways and roads leading
to the places of tourist interest are needed.
The Government will actively pursue and facilitate
developing of the existing airports in co-operation
with the National Airport Authority. It is hoped
that the current policy of the Ministry of Civil
Aviation and Tourism encouraging charter flights
will continue so that such destinations can be
serviced regularly in the near future in Meghalaya.
The Government will encourage Transport services
for tourism purposes and also cruises without
any restriction on fares or any monopoly rights.
It will take up the development of selected jetties
and river ports for the smooth operation of boat
services. Entrepreneurs in the private sector
would also be encouraged to provide such facilities.
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The passenger tax will be restructured
to encourage larger tourist movement. The Government
will continue to provide interstate transport permits
and such other facilities as may be necessary. |
| (j) |
Arts & Crafts promotion
Tourism - The Tourism Department in association
with the Art and Culture Department and other State
agencies will hold annual festivals and exhibitions
for promoting specific destinations. Visitors' Reception
Centres will be set up at five or six places in
the State to provide recreation as well as to encourage
local cuisine and village arts & crafts. The
State Government will provide the funds for these
purposes. |
Information Technology
Meghalaya has many advantages and
an edge over other North Eastern States of India in
the field of Information Technology. The strategic location
of Meghalaya for IT business in South East Asia, the
favorable weather conditions throughout the year, the
surplus power generation and its being the English speaking
state in the country are contributing to the stance
of the State Government that a thrust for development
of Information and Communication Technology should be
provided.
Initiatives of the State Government
Setting up of Software Technology
Park (STPI)
Efforts have been made by the State
Government to set up the Software Technology Park of
India, Shillong Centre. In this connection, the first
step undertaken by the State Government is the identification
of a suitable location to host the STPI in Shillong.
It is expected that this exercise would be completed
soon. The Government of India has already sanctioned
an amount of Rs.50 lakhs towards procurement of High
Speed Data Communication (HSDC) facilities for the STPI
at Shillong. An additional amount of Rs.1.00 Lakh was
provided by the State Government to the STPI for a Detailed
Feasibility Project Report regarding setting up of STPI
facilities at Shillong. The Software Technology Park
at Shillong is expected to cater to the local Software
Exports, IT Enabled Services, Call Centres and other
IT related activities. It is therefore a matter of utmost
importance that the local entrepreneurs keep interacting
with the Department by way of feedback information,
suggestions and active participation in IT Forums and
such arrangements, which would be provided by the Department
from time to time
Setting up of other Technology Parks
NEDFi established at Guwahati to
host various activities such as IT Enabled Services,
Call Centres etc. NEDFi informed the State Government
that most of the manpower in these activities come from
Shillong. As a result, NEDFi feels that they need to
set up another Software Technology Park in Shillong.
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