SHILLONG: With Covid-19 positive cases witnessing a gradual decline in the past few weeks, the Meghalaya government has decided to restart its tourism activities from September 1 with various protocols.
The protocols include:
1. Tourists who are fully vaccinated (ie those who have completed two doses) will be permitted to visit Meghalaya for tourism-related purposes from September 1.
2. Tourists who are unvaccinated or have taken a single dose of the jab need to produce a negative report (RTPCR/TrueNat/CBNAAT report) valid only if they have tested within 72 Hrs prior to their arrival at the entry point.
3. Local tourists from within the state that are fully vaccinated/vaccinated with a single dose will be allowed to visit any location in Meghalaya for tourism purposes.
Meghalaya is considered one of the most amazing travel destinations in the country. It had got recognized as the "favourite emerging destination in India" at the Conde Nast Traveller India Readers' Award, 2019.
Tourism plays an important role in leveraging the economy and enhancing livelihood in Meghalaya, but the arrival of the "deadly" Covid-19 spoiled it for months.
Blessed with beautiful waterfalls, caves, forests, wildlife, and much more, Meghalaya has a large number of attractions. Shillong, also known as "Scotland of the East" is regarded as the most beautiful place in the state. The city has several sightseeing spots in and around it like Lady Hydari Park, Ward's Lake, Elephant Falls, Laitlum Canyons, Shillong Peak, Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures, Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, Police Bazar, and Umiam Lake among others. Other popular attractions in Meghalaya include Cherrapunjee, Mawlynnong, and Nokrek.
As per data, Meghalaya recorded about 12 lakh tourists in 2019, 12 lakh in 2018, 10 lakh in 2017, 8.5 lakh in 2016, 7.5 lakh in 2015, and 7.2 lakh in 2014.
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