Lapang stress on peaceful atmosphere to woo tourists
SHILLONG, Sept 27 (PTI): Meghalaya Chief Minister D D Lapang today asked the "misguided" youth of the State to change their mindset as peaceful atmoshphere was needed to woo more visitors to the State.
Taking a dig at those "misguided" youths who blocked the flourish of tourism in Meghalaya, Lapang said "break open your cocoon mentality...Let�s change our mentality as the world grows. Then only we can survive."
The Chief Minister, who was addressing a State-organised programme to mark the World Tourism Day, said tourists were paying money to visit our place. "Why to prevent them." If they were cheated and looted, they would say to Meghalaya `good bye for ever�.
Giving example of Sikkim, Lapang said if the small state could do it, why cannot Meghalaya. Let us start anew today.
The Chief Minister said no other sector could provide job opportunity like tourism did and cited an instance of creating 48 jobs by investing only Rs 10 lakh.
He, however, lamented tourism being a goldmine was yet to be exploited in Meghalaya.
State�s Tourism Minister T C Lyngdoh said although the State was handicapped by the absence of Railway lines and fragile ecology, but its unenviable beauty and unparalleled scenary should be exploited to make up the loss.
If we cannot retain a peaceful atmosphere here, it would send a wrong signal outside, he apprehended. Chief Secretary J Tayeng stressed the need for accommodative attitude and preservation of culture to attract more tourists.
Tourism Department Commissioner H Marwein and Director Shakil Ahmed also spoke on the occasion.
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