Dhaka: The popular tourist spot Meghalaya, sharing borders with Bangladesh, is set to harness the full potential of its tourism along the border districts at East Khasi Hills.

The state, known for the wettest place on earth- Mawsynram and the cleanest village-Mawlynnong, is eyeing to promote unexplored destinations in the district.

Meghalaya Tourism said this at a Border Tourism Webinar Series in association with PHDCCI.

At the virtual session, Vinod Zutshi, Former Union Tourism Secretary, said, “Border tourism has immense potential if promoted and marketed well as it gives an opportunity to see the neighbouring countries without actually crossing the border.”

“Campaigns like ‘Dekho Apna Aur Padosi Desh’ can be introduced to promote semi international travel. Ease of access to zero line; ensuring last mile connectivity; and creating economic activities around border towns will be the key drivers for promoting border tourism in Meghalaya.”

“There is a huge potential for promoting monsoon tourism in the state as Cherrapunji is known for being the wettest place on Earth. Emphasis should also be given on Festivals and the state government should create a mega Tourism Festival on the lines of Hornbill Festival in Nagaland,” he added.

Meghalaya Tourism is currently working on empowering the local community to develop homestays in the state. The destination will soon have an eco-resort in Shnongpdeng.

Cyril VD Diengdoh, Director, Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, said, Meghalaya in the last few years has witnessed huge growth in tourism. In 2018-19 they were third in terms of footfall in North East after Assam and Sikkim.

They welcome a huge number of foreign tourists, majority from Bangladesh.

In 2019, their CM Conrad K Sangma, led a delegation of tourism to Bangladesh and signed MoU between tour operators of Meghalaya and Bangladesh, which we call Mountain to Sea tourism.

“The Garo Hills borders with Bangladesh and we want to develop this region. We have some of the largest caving systems in Meghalaya, which can be developed for adventure tourism. Homestays are very important to experience the culture of the state,” he added.

Meghalaya has recently introduced a new mobile app and website to provide a seamless experience for travellers. The state is encouraging its stakeholders to register their products under this app to create an end-to-end solution.

Apart from Border tourism, Meghalaya is also set to introduce adventure element in the state. The state is also known for the Living Root Bridges.

Philip F Tariang, Assistant Director, Tourism Department, Government of Meghalaya, “We have a friendly border with Bangladesh, and we have engaged with them in attracting tourists. Borders have always been a huge draw for tourists.”

In Meghalaya, Sohra area is a vantage point from where one can see Bangladesh. The Sohra area, Mawlynnong which is the cleanest village can be further developed for tourism. From the department we have worked on a master plan for Mawkdok- Sohra for experiential tourism and for village tourism, he said.

“Living Root Bridges are a very popular attraction. We are sending nomination of Kongthong village to UNWTO for best tourism village. Mawlynnong, Borhill, Umsyiem are other regions we are looking to develop.”

They want to develop adventure activities like Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Kayaking, Rafting in Shnongpdeng. Government is setting up a resort in Sohra and the work has started. David Scott Trail, Nalphakram National Park, Garo Hills can be promoted for Trekking and Camping, he concluded.