Second day's virtual meet held of 'Destination North East-2020'

Welcoming all on behalf of North East States to visit North East Region, Prof. Biman Kumar Dutta, Member NEC, highlighted about the tourism potentials of North East Region, rich biodiversity hotspots, historical and religious places and other important tourist attractions like Tea Estates, scenically beautiful places & historical monuments besides the hospitality of people of the North East Region.

The event saw the presentation of cultural mosaic, dances, places of tourist attractions, choirs, state icons, achievers and entrepreneurs of the participating States. Akriti Chen, Miss Meghalaya, extended welcome on behalf of her State. Special messages were delivered by State icons, mountaineer Wansuk Myrthong and cyclist Winward Sangma. Introduction about Urlong tea was given by Riba and a cultural presentation of dance and music like the 'Shad Mastieh' dance, 'Wangala' dance and the 'Shad Pliang' dance among similar other items was also made.

During the programme Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma thanked the Ministry of DoNER for organizing the 'Destination North East' event. Highlighting the importance and potential of tourism in North East Region he talked about the direct and indirect benefits of tourism in the state of Meghalaya in terms of revenue earned, employment created and livelihood generated. The Chief Minister spoke about the need to re strategize tourism in Meghalaya in the background of the challenges and opportunities that the COVID Pandemic has created. He explained that, eco tourism being the forte of Meghalaya, there is a need for better packaging, linking Shillong Airport to Delhi and other Metros and investing in Unique Selling Points to attract a potential 26 million high value Indian foreign going tourists of India who are now likely to turn towards North East region. He also stressed the need for attracting Capital, Government funding and Public Private Partnership. Lastly he felt that there is a need to create security and safety for both locals and tourists in the era of COVID and informed that Meghalaya Government is taking all possible measures to implement the health protocols seriously.

The programme ended with vote of thanks to the participating State of Meghalaya by Navin Kumar, Adviser (T&C), NEC, stated a release.

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