Shillong, Sept 27: Describing entrepreneurs as “engines of growth,” Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma said that his office has decided to initiate an ‘entrepreneur of the month’ programme where budding entrepreneurs would be selected for receiving incentives from the government.

The Chief Minister made this announcement at the World Tourism Day which was observed at the State Convention Centre here on Thursday.

The Day was observed under the theme, “Tourism and Digital Transformation” in the presence of the Chief Minister, Tourism Minister, Metbah Lyngdoh, Principal Secretary Tourism, R.V Suchiang, Director, Tourism, C.V Diengdoh, officials from various departments, entrepreneurs, NGOs, students among others.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that economic growth of the State is a priority of the Government and emphasized on the key role that entrepreneurs play in the growth and development of the State.

Terming entrepreneurs as “engines of growth” Conrad said that the government can create policies, programmes and infrastructure, but it required active involvement of entrepreneurs to push the economy forward.

He informed that his office has decided to initiate an ‘entrepreneur of the month’ programme in which selected budding entrepreneurs will receive incentives from the government.

“This programme will help leverage the drive for innovative and fresh ideas and also motivate others to become entrepreneurs,” he said.

Talking about the huge potential that tourism has in creating economic opportunities for the people, the Chief Minister stressed on the need to have the right packaging and promotion to be able to market it to the intended target groups.

“Tourism is a sector that requires specific marketing. Partnership of the tourism sector with digital social media platforms such as Facebook will allow us to spend our resources more effectively”, he added.

He also emphasized on the need to develop strategies to increase monetary spending by visiting tourists so that the State can turn the huge tourist footfall into economic benefits.

During the programme, a book entitled ‘MEGHALAYA RIVERS’ authored by Joe Rea-dickins, Dan Rea-Dickins and Zorba Laloo was released by the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister along with the Tourism Minister handed over gifts to ten entrepreneurs and change makers as a mark of appreciation to their initiatives in the tourism sector.

Technical sessions on topics like ‘Digital Skilling with Facebook and Whatsapp’ and ‘Adventure Tourism’ were held during the day which was actively participated by entrepreneurs and NGOs.