Shillong, Feb 21 (Reporter) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangama on Wednesday said in the Assembly that the state aims to be the country’s 'best and most sustainably managed' tourism destination. To achieve this, there is a need to restrict the number of tourists visiting sites by following the global best practices. “We are working on a framework for notifying eco-tourism zones with defined carrying capacities and for charging a higher green fee from visitors. The revenues thus earned will be disbursed equitably among all the communities involved. For the creation of infrastructure at notified eco-tourism zones, I am allocating an amount of Rs. 50 crore for 2024-25,” he said in the course of his budget speech in the house. The tourism sector has steadily revived from the disruptions caused by the COVID pandemic and the current annual tourist footfall is 13.81 lakh, which is 1.1 lakh more than the pre-pandemic levels, the Chief Minister informed. With growing numbers of tourists visiting Meghalaya, Sangma said nearly 3,000 new high-value rooms are required, translating into a requirement of several five-star hotels and other premium properties. “It is expected that these new hotels will be built at Shillong, New Shillong, Umiam, Sohra and Tura with private sector investment of approximately Rs. 1,000 crore,” he said. “Additionally, projects such as convention centres aimed at promoting wedding tourism, MICE tourism and a new golf course are under planning stage,” Sangma said, adding that land bank of nearly 400 acres has been earmarked for developing such infrastructure. “I am committing an investment of Rs. 200 crore for new circuits with bases at Umling in Ri Bhoi, Mawsynram in East Khasi Hills, Doldegre in West Garo Hills, Sohiong in East Khasi Hills, Syntung in East Khasi Hills, Mairang in Eastern West Khasi Hills, Resubelpara in North Garo Hills, Wari Chora in South Garo Hills, Umden in Ri Bhoi, Nongstoin and Mawphanlur in West Khasi Hills,” he announced. An additional Rs. 150 crore of new investment will be made in unique tourism projects such as the Meghalayan Age experiential Centre at Mawmluh in East Khasi Hills, development of tribal heritage centre in Mandalgre in East Garo Hills, geology-museum at Nongnah in South West Khasi Hills and riverfront development of Umngot at Shnongpdeng, Darrang and Dawki, in West Jaintia Hills, the CM said. “These projects are aimed making tourism more experiential and to increase the duration of stay of tourists,” he spelt out...////...