In a bid to boost tourism and enhance visitor experiences in the state, the government of Meghalaya is set to launch the “Tourism Buddies” initiative, a program aimed at providing trained local youth to assist tourists. The initiative, announced by Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, will be rolled out by mid-November, aligning with the state’s peak tourist season.
Speaking to reporters, Lyngdoh said, “We will begin with a batch of roughly 70-plus youths. This will come out by way of Notice Inviting Tender (NIT), which will be floated by the Directorate of Tourism shortly. We will call the NIT in the next two to three days, as we would like to see them deployed by mid-November.”
The “Tourism Buddies” will undergo short-term training to handle a range of tasks, including ensuring visitor security, providing guidance, and helping tourists feel more comfortable during their stay in Shillong and other parts of Meghalaya. They will act as guides, interpreters, and helpers, aiding visitors who might lose their way or need assistance in navigating popular tourist areas.
The program will focus on areas with high tourist inflow, including scenic spots such as Laitlum, Ward’s Lake, Mawsmai Cave, Nohkalikai Falls, Mawlynnong, and Krangsuri Waterfalls. Lyngdoh emphasized the importance of collaborating with local societies and dorbars (traditional village councils), where tourism has gained significant traction, to ensure smooth implementation.
Additionally, Lyngdoh reviewed various tourism development projects worth over ₹400 crore. “Of these, ₹191 crore is funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and ₹227 crore is earmarked from the state plan for infrastructural development across Meghalaya,” he said. These projects aim to improve tourism infrastructure and enhance the overall visitor experience, with Shillong projected to become the most preferred tourist destination by 2025.
In conjunction with these efforts, Meghalaya is set to host its two-day Cherry Blossom Festival, beginning November 15, which will be inaugurated by the DoNER Minister, with the Chief Minister and Tourism Minister in attendance. The government is also awaiting confirmation on the participation of a dignitary from Japan. A two-day literature festival will follow from November 17-18, with renowned writers expected to attend.
