Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday chaired the inaugural meeting of the High-Level Task Force on Tourism in Shillong, aimed at charting a coordinated strategy to unlock the tourism potential of Northeast.
The meeting was attended by Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, and senior officials from both central and state governments.
The task force, constituted by the Ministry of DoNER in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, will examine the tourism prospects of the region, identify strategic gaps, and recommend a roadmap for holistic sectoral growth.
Sangma, who heads the task force, described the initiative as a “landmark” move, emphasising the need for all northeastern states to work together to present the region as a unified tourism destination.
“For tourists, both domestic and international, the Northeast is seen as one region. Hence, coordination among states is vital to ensure seamless experiences and better visibility,” Sangma said.
Scindia highlighted the importance of tourism as a catalyst for economic development, stating, “The Northeast can harness its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty to promote sustainable growth, strengthen local economies, and create jobs.”
He also urged the task force to study successful tourism models from Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
The meeting included detailed presentations and proposals from participating states.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha underscored efforts made by his state to spotlight the region’s distinctive cuisines as a tourist attraction, while Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang stressed the importance of branding, consistent marketing, and cross-state collaboration to drive tourism numbers.
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As part of the larger plan, one tourism circuit will be identified in each of the eight northeastern states to promote both domestic and international travel.
The task force was established following the 72nd plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC), held in Agartala in November 2024.
The collaborative initiative is expected to lay the foundation for a robust tourism ecosystem in the region.
