Meghalaya’s tourism sector is beginning to feel the impact of the tensions with Assam, with around 80-90 per cent of tourist bookings in Shillong, Sohra (Cherrapunjee) and nearby areas being cancelled, according to a survey of hotels and homestays, sources said.
However, tourism operators said the latest wave of cancellations has affected even bookings that had already been confirmed. The figure is based on feedback from hospitality properties and tourism-sector sources and has not been independently verified by the government. E.B. “This is a very unfortunate development, and it is going to affect tourism. August is typically a lean period for tourism in Shillong and Sohra, with occupancy levels lower than during the peak season. “Tour operators and companies in Meghalaya are preparing for tourists to come to Meghalaya, and tourists have started making their plans.
Blah, President of the Tour Operators Association of Meghalaya (TOAM), advisor and founding president of the North East India Tourism Confederation (NEITC), vice-president of Shillong Hotels and Meghalaya state in-charge of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), said the developments could undermine the confidence Meghalaya has built among visitors over the years. 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. Blah said the industry had been preparing for the tourist season ahead, with visitors already making travel plans for Meghalaya. But incidents like these can create a feeling that the destination is not safe,” he said. Tourism operators said they have also been receiving calls from people who had planned trips to Shillong and Sohra, asking about the situation and whether it is safe to travel.
