Shillong Sept 25: Meghalaya has seen an inflow of over 10 lakh visitors who visited various tourist spots across the state last year.
Replying to a question raised by MLA from North Shillong, Adelbert Nongrum during question hour in Assembly on Tuesday, Tourism minister Metbah Lyngdoh said the inflow of tourists was 10,02,907 lakh last year, which included 9,90,856 domestic, and 12,051 foreigners.
When asked about the number of tourist spots, Lyngdoh said East Khasi Hills has 29 spots, seven in West Jaiñtia Hills, four each in West Khasi Hills, Ri Bhoi and West Garo Hills, three each in South West Khasi Hills and North Garo Hills, two each in East Garo Hills, South West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills and one in East Jaiñtia Hills.
To a query by Mawsynram Congress legislator H.M. Shangpliang on steps taken to develop eco and cave tourism, Lyngdoh could not provide a satisfactory reply.
Shangpliang said that Meghalaya has many caves, including the longest one in the world had been explored.
The Minister instead said steps were taken, including construction of footpaths leading to the caves.
He also informed that the budget earmarked for the state tourism department for 2018-19 was around Rs 92 crore.
