Shillong: Former Meghalaya Tourism Minister and West Shillong MLA Paul Lyngdoh has expressed concern over what he described as a decline in the state’s tourism sector, warning that actions and public statements can quickly affect Meghalaya’s image in the age of social media.
Speaking to the media, Lyngdoh said information available to him indicated that tourism had begun to decline in recent days. He contrasted the present situation with the period when he headed the Tourism Department, saying the government at the time placed emphasis on dialogue with different pressure groups and organisations whenever problems arose.
Lyngdoh stressed that tourism is particularly sensitive to negative publicity because incidents and statements can spread rapidly through social media and reach audiences far beyond Meghalaya.
He therefore urged the government, members of the public and various organisations to exercise greater caution in their words and actions.
“This is not the 1990s; we are in the 21st century,” Lyngdoh said in substance, arguing that approaches used decades ago have to take account of today’s digital environment and the reach of social media.
His remarks come as Meghalaya continues to promote itself as a tourism destination, with the state Tourism Department currently running campaigns encouraging visitors to travel to Meghalaya.
