'Tourism about building pride'

In a conversation with Abhijit Deb of The Statesman, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma talks about the recent cabinet reshuffle in his coalition government, the state's new tourism policy, and his vision to make Meghalaya a model of sustainable and creative tourism.

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From reviving the rock culture of Shillong to empowering rural entrepreneurs through homestays and ecotourism, Sangma shares how tourism is emerging as a key driver of employment and growth in the hill state.

Q: You have recently made a major reshuffle in your cabinet. What prompted it?

A: It was not an easy task since we are running a coalition government where every partner deserves an opportunity to serve the people of Meghalaya. It was unanimously decided among all parties of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) to give space to leaders who have served the people for long. So, the reshuffle was carried out in the spirit of teamwork and inclusivity.

I must thank my cabinet colleagues who willingly made space for others who have been chosen by the people's mandate. Our goal was to ensure balanced representation and strengthen the spirit of collective governance.

Q: Meghalaya has announced a new Tourism Policy. What is the core focus of this policy?

A: The new Tourism Policy aims to position Meghalaya as a year-round sustainable destination that blends nature, culture, and community.

Our focus is on responsible tourism - protecting the environment while empowering local communities. We are emphasizing homestays, rural tourism, adventure tourism, and music tourism, ensuring that the benefits reach the grassroots.

At the same time, we are also working to attract high-value tourists by improving connectivity and hospitality standards.