Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Sunday attended a virtual World Tourism Day conclave organised by the DoNER ministry.

The World Tourism Conclave was themed on Emerging Delightful Destinations.

The North Eastern Council, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region organises the event annually in different parts of the country to promote and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Northeast to the rest of the country.

Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma attended the conclave as the Chief Guest. The conclave was also attended by Tourism Minister, Metbah Lyngdh, Principal Secretary Tourism, R.V Suchiang, Director Tourism, C.V Diengdoh, other Govt officials from various departments, entrepreneurs and NGOs. Sangma spoke of the vital role tourism plays in boosting the economy.

This year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was organised virtually, which was inaugurated by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah and DoNER minister Jitendra Singh.

Talking on the theme of this year’s World Tourism Day –  Tourism and Rural Development– CM Sangma said, “It blends well with the theme of the event and is a reminder to all of us about the vital role of tourism in developing and enhancing rural economies.”

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today formally launched the new website of Meghalaya Tourism – ‘Check into Nature’ in the presence of Commissioner and Secretary Tourism Vijay Kumar, Director Tourism Cyril Diengdoh and other stakeholders from the tourism and hospitality business who participated through video conference.

Emphasising on connectivity as an integral part of the travel and tourism industry the Chief Minister also said that the Government is putting all efforts to improve air connectivity to major cities across the country.
‘Air connectivity is very important for our state. Very soon we will be having direct flights from Delhi to Shillong and subsequently the Government plans to expand this to include other major cities across the country’, the Chief Minister said.