Meghalaya’s tourism industry is facing the impact of tensions with Assam with around 80 to 90 per cent of tourist bookings in Shillong, Sohra Cherrapunjee and nearby areas reportedly got cancelled, according to hotels, homestays and tourism sources. The figure has not been independently verified by the government. The cancellations followed violence during a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) rally in Shillong on August 19 and tensions over movement between Assam and Meghalaya. E.B. Blah, who is the President of the Tour Operators Association of Meghalaya, said the situation could affect the confidence tourists have built in Meghalaya as a safe destination. August is usually a lean tourism month in Shillong and Sohra. However, operators said the recent situation has led to cancellations of even confirmed bookings. Blah said the industry was preparing for the upcoming tourist season, especially the Puja holidays and Christmas, when tourist numbers usually increase. Tour operators have also been receiving calls from tourists asking whether it is safe to visit Shillong and Sohra.
Another major concern is road connectivity as many tourists travelling to Meghalaya from outside the state come through Guwahati and Jorabat in Assam. The tensions increased after vehicles were damaged during the August 19 violence in Shillong. Protests and blockades were later reported on parts of the Assam-Meghalaya route. Blah said the problem could affect the wider Northeast because tourists often visit several states during one trip. Several Meghalaya tourism organisations also condemned the violence in a joint statement on August 20. They warned that attacks and vandalism against vehicles from outside Meghalaya including tourist taxis and buses, could damage the state’s image. They appealed against retaliatory actions and called on the authorities to take legal action against those responsible. Tourism supports many people in Meghalaya, including hotel and homestay owners, drivers, restaurants, guides, handicraft sellers and other small businesses. Despite the situation, tourism has not completely stopped, with some visitors, including football fans, still travelling to the region.
Blah said the situation needs to return to normal quickly to avoid bigger losses during the upcoming peak season. Blah said, "If we find a solution, then definitely the impact will not be as much." Lastly, tourism operators are now hoping for normal movement between Assam and Meghalaya and greater confidence among tourists before the Durga Puja and Christmas seasons.
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