Shillong, August 12 : A two-day symposium on Community Based Tourism (CBT) in North-East India concluded on a high note, with enthusiastic participation from experts, tourism industry leaders, students, and stakeholders from across the region. The event, aimed at exploring the potential of community-driven tourism and its role in sustainable development, brought together diverse perspectives and insights.
The symposium culminated with a captivating closing ceremony, graced by the presence of Paul Lyngdoh, Minister of Tourism for the Government of Meghalaya as Chief Guest. Minister Lyngdoh shared his insights on Shillong’s beauty and the potential of the Tourism Policy, while highlighting the exemplary role of Sohra as a model of Community-Based Tourism. He emphasized the need for guided itineraries to promote tourism across various regions of the North-East, encouraging visitors to explore the rich diversity of Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and beyond.
The symposium featured an array of informative sessions and discussions, providing a platform for meaningful dialogues and collaborations. The inaugural session of the symposium was dedicated to delving into the theme of Community-Based Tourism in North-East India. This was followed by an insightful address by Cyril V. D. Diengdoh, IAS, Director of Tourism Meghalaya, who shared valuable insights on the government’s role in nurturing tourism ecosystems. He also highlighted Meghalaya’s progressive Tourism Policy.
The second day of the symposium was marked by three enriching technical sessions: Exploring Opportunities under CBT, Community Concerns and Participation, CBT Business Models in NER.
The symposium stands as a significant milestone in fostering collaborative efforts towards sustainable and community-driven tourism in North-East India. The discussions and deliberations have set the stage for a more responsible and inclusive approach to tourism, aligning with the region’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.
