GG News Bureau
Shillong, 18th Oct. The ongoing conflict regarding the ban on Assam-registered tourist taxis entering Meghalaya has significantly impacted the state’s tourism sector over the past three months, according to the Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum (MTDF). The controversy began on July 26 when a local NGO halted Assam-registered taxis at Umtyngngar, preventing them from transporting passengers to popular destinations within the state. This move has sparked widespread debate and resulted in substantial losses for tourism-dependent stakeholders across Meghalaya.
The MTDF has strongly opposed the ban, labeling it a setback for the long-term development of tourism in the region. In a letter addressed to a state government-constituted tourism committee, the forum expressed concerns that halting the operation of these taxis would adversely affect the overall growth of tourism in Meghalaya, which is still striving to realize its full potential.
Larsing Sawyan, president of the MTDF, reiterated the forum’s commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to resolve the issue while ensuring the safety and security of tourists. He noted that recent protests by some local taxi drivers advocating for the ban had severely affected tourism from July to September 2024, leading to significant financial losses for various stakeholders, including hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, guides, farmers, and vegetable vendors.
The MTDF cautioned that any disruption to tourism growth could be detrimental to the state’s long-term aspirations in the sector. It urged the government to engage in broader consultations with all tourism stakeholders, including local taxi operators and hoteliers, before implementing decisions affecting the industry.
In its recommendations to the state government, the MTDF proposed several measures aimed at streamlining the tourism transport sector. A key suggestion was the formation of a unified association for tourist taxi operators, replacing the multiple existing associations to foster a more organized and cooperative environment. The forum also recommended establishing dedicated parking lots for tourist taxis at key locations to improve visitor access and mobility.
Additionally, the MTDF called for training programs for tourist taxi drivers that would cover essential skills such as etiquette, communication, cleanliness, and guiding techniques. A standardized dress code was also proposed to enhance the professional image of the sector.
The MTDF’s recommendations are designed to create a more inclusive tourism strategy for Meghalaya, balancing the interests of local taxi operators while promoting industry growth and development. By addressing the concerns of both local taxi drivers and other tourism stakeholders, the forum hopes to restore equilibrium to the sector and ensure that Meghalaya continues to attract visitors without disruptions.
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