New Delhi: Meghalaya’s tourism industry is facing a fresh challenge as tensions with Assam and recent violence in Shillong have led to widespread cancellations.
Around 80-90 per cent of tourist bookings in Shillong, Sohra and nearby areas have reportedly been cancelled, according to feedback from hotels, homestays and tourism-sector sources.
The figures have not been independently verified by the government. Tourism operators, however, say the cancellations are already creating concern ahead of the state’s busy travel season.
The latest situation follows violence during a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) rally in Shillong on August 19. Tensions between Assam and Meghalaya also increased over cross-border movement with protests and blockades reported along parts of the route connecting the two states.
Tourism operators worried about visitor confidence
President of the Tour Operators Association of Meghalaya (TOAM), E.B. Blah, said the developments could hurt the confidence that Meghalaya has built among tourists over the years. “This is a very unfortunate development, and it is going to affect tourism. We have seen over the years that the Northeast, and indeed any place in the region, should be viewed as a safe destination,” Blah said.
August is usually a lean period for Shillong and Sohra but operators said the latest cancellations have also affected bookings that were already confirmed. Many visitors have reportedly been calling hotels and tour operators to ask whether it is safe to travel.
Blah said the full impact was still being assessed. “We don’t have the data yet, because we have not collected it. Definitely, some cancellations will be there,” he said, warning that the situation could lead to more cancellations if it continues.
Assam route adds to concern
Connectivity is another major worry for the tourism sector as many visitors travelling to Meghalaya from outside the state pass through Guwahati and Jorabat in Assam. “Even if people are willing to visit, disruption in transport services or unrest in certain areas could affect travel and prevent them from reaching their destinations,” Blah said.
Tourism bodies in Meghalaya also raised concerns in a joint statement issued on August 20. The groups condemned violence and vandalism targeting vehicles from outside the state including tourist taxis and buses and urged authorities to take legal action.
The Northeast’s tourism circuit is closely connected with visitors often travelling across several states during one trip. Operators fear disruption in one area could therefore affect the wider region. Despite the uncertainty, tourism has not come to a complete standstill. Blah said visitors including football fans from different parts of the country were still travelling to Meghalaya.
However, tourism operators say a quick return to normalcy will be important to protect business ahead of the Durga Puja and Christmas holiday season when tourist arrivals usually rise sharply.
