Scotland of East turns to Europe for tourists

SHILLONG: On the eve of his visit to Geneva to attend World Tourism Day celebration on August 6, Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma on Thursday said his government would try and woe European tourists to visit the hill state.
Sangma, who will be accompanied by commissioner and secretary of tourism Rebecca Suchiang and tourism director RC Sohkhlet, is also scheduled to participate in a series of interactive sessions.
"The sessions have been designed in such a manner which would bring a lot of benefit to the participating countries and it is an opportunity for us to project the state as well as the north east region in the right perspective," Sangma told TOI.
"It will also be an excellent opportunity to explore the potentialities of the state so as to effectively structure our tourism policy in a manner that will successfully divert tourists and visitors from Europe to this part of the country," the chief minister added.
Elaborating further, the CM who also holds the tourism portfolio and is a vocal advocate of exploiting the vast tourism potentials of the state as a means of creating more employment opportunities for educated and employable youths informed that "it is of utmost importance to create a situation with like minded partners in Europe to market our product which is the state."
Referring to the recent discussion and ideas mooted by the Planning Commission on establishing closer ties with South East Asian countries in the tourism sector, Sangma said attempts on the same lines if made could yield "very positive results not only for Meghalaya but for the entire north east region as a whole."
Sangma reminded that Meghalaya with its salubrious climate which is "just about ok throughout the year, not too hot or not too cold", provides ample reasons for tourists to visit the state. He opined that winters being bitter cold in Europe, "it would be most appropriate if they chose Meghalaya as a holiday destination or a totally relaxed getaway."
Observing that the tourists flow (most of who are high end travelers) during winter from December to March is the highest throughout the year, the CM was optimistic of tapping this segment. "This will boost tourism, create new opportunities for our ambitious youths and over all uplift the state's economy," he said.