Meghalaya hosts 2023 Responsible Tourism Summit & Awards on World Tourism Day

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 28, 2023

The Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with Outlook Magazine, hosted The Indian Responsible Tourism State Summit & Awards 2023 – The Meghalaya Chapter on World Tourism Day on September 27 at the State Convention Centre, Shillong.

The event aimed to recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations dedicated to promoting responsible and sustainable tourism in Meghalaya. The summit featured various award categories, showcasing stakeholders’ commitment to sustainable tourism practices.

Tourism Minister of Meghalaya, Paul Lyngdoh, expressed his enthusiasm for the winners’ dedication to responsible tourism practices. The minister said, “And today, we have a footfall of close to 15 lakh visitors to Meghalaya. And more importantly, we have more international tourists visiting Meghalaya as compared to domestic tourists. It is an achievement.”

Dr. Vijay Kumar, Commissioner & Secretary, Tourism Department, delivered the welcome speech, emphasizing the importance of responsible tourism in preserving Meghalaya’s natural and cultural heritage. He said, “If done properly and sustainably, we can use the tourism sector, the travel and hospitality sector, as a way, not just to showcase our culture, our tradition, our way of life but most importantly to use all the nature, culture to build livelihoods, to create employment opportunities for people and to make the state prosperous. In short, tourism can be that growth engine which can really drive growth for the state. Our goal is to make Meghalaya the most beautiful, the most desirable tourism destination in the country.”

Cyril V. Darlong Diengdoh, Director of Tourism, expressed gratitude through a vote of thanks, acknowledging the commitment of all participants and congratulated the winners.

Award Categories and Winners:

Sustainable Leadership – Recognizing excellence in Homestays, B&Bs & Guesthouses, and Travel Enterprises.

Sustainable Experiences – Highlighting sustainability efforts in Food and Architecture.

Sustainability Champions – Honoring Grassroots Heroes and Cultural Ambassadors.

Homestays Category:

Gold: Ri Saw Kun Homestay

Silver: Balarida Homestay

Silver: Do Patchi Homestay

One-to-Watch: Na I Mei Homestay

BNBs Category:

Gold: Greendale Homestay

Gold: Dongrama Homestay

Silver: Manna Inspira

One-to-Watch: Tales of 1943

Travel Enterprises Category:

Gold: Ki-por Travels

Gold: Duia Trailblazers

Silver: Wild Tour Garo Hills

Silver: Meghalaya Roots

One-to-Watch: Haikai Adventures

Architecture Category:

Gold: Bri Ki Synrang Park by Tehsonglang Multipurpose Co-operative Society

Gold: Wakhen Bamboo Bridge by Wakhen Tourism Promoter Trekking Society

Silver: Sembertush A. Sangma

Food Category:

Gold: Jimirigaon Orange Village

Gold: Meiramew Café

Silver: You & I Art Café

One-to-Watch: 1304 Kitchen

Grassroots Heroes:

Gold: Deepak N Marak

Silver: Greentech Foundation

One-to-Watch: Gerald Samuel Duia

Cultural Ambassadors Category:

Gold: Naphibahun Lyngdoh

Gold: Ibalarihun Mallai

Silver: Ahowee

One-to-Watch: Mebanlamphang Lyngdoh

One-to-Watch: Sein Reij Lalong