Shillong, 24 June

Reacting to a recent adverse travel advisory by the United States, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Tuesday asserted that the state is the safest place in the world for tourists.

The US government had recently issued an advisory asking its citizens to reconsider visiting Meghalaya and the northeastern states due to terrorism and violence.

"It's unfortunate that the US has issued such an advisory. We don't know where they collect their information from to place Meghalaya in that category," Tynsong told PTI.

Tynsong, who also holds the Home portfolio, strongly defended the state’s record on safety and hospitality.

"Meghalaya is one of the safest places in the world, and people of the state are known for their hospitality," he said.

Tynsong said people who have not visited Meghalaya and met the people may have all sorts of doubts.

"Talk to those who have visited Meghalaya and met the hardworking people living in the beautiful villages of the state. These are the real ambassadors," he said.

Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh said the state is expected to host 2 million visitors this year, and the tourism department has charted a calendar of events for the whole year, with events like the Cherry blossom festivals among others.

The state government has also initiated a programme to induct 'Tourist Buddies' whereby tourists will be assisted by them at major locations.

"The state is recruiting 50 Tourist Buddies in the state capital itself, where they will be stationed at key tourist locations such as Wards Lake, Golf Links, and Khyndai Lad," Lyngdoh informed.

A senior tourism officer told PTI that the state government plans to invest over Rs 1,000 crore to boost the tourism sector.

He said the sector provides employment to over 50,000 people directly and indirectly and is one of the largest job providers in Meghalaya, second only to the state government which employs over 85,000 people.