INTRODUCTION
Sustainable tourism is important worldwide and locally. It is linked to different fields like social sciences, economics, arts, and development studies. Meghalaya, a state in northeastern India, is a popular tourist destination. In recent years, the number of visitors has grown significantly, especially in Sohra (formerly Cherrapunjee) and Mawlynnong, as highlighted in various Meghalaya News reports.
WHAT IS TOURISM?
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) defines tourism as people traveling to places outside their usual environment for business, personal, or professional reasons. These travelers are called visitors, including both tourists and excursionists. Tourism involves their activities and spending. In simple terms, tourism is when people temporarily travel from their homes to other places for leisure or other purposes.
Tourism provides economic benefits to many countries and communities. However, if not controlled, it can harm the environment. Issues include competition for land, pollution of water sources, and improper disposal of waste. This shows that tourism is connected to nature and ecology.
MEANING OF SUSTAINANBLE TOURISM
Sustainable tourism comes from the idea of sustainable development, introduced by the United Nations in 1999. It was later adopted by international conventions and countries worldwide.
Sustainable tourism has four main aspects:
- Community Well-being: It should benefit local communities and protect nature and culture while ensuring a good experience for visitors.
- Collaboration: It involves local communities, governments, businesses, and tourists working together.
- Shared Responsibility: Each group has a role in ensuring sustainability, benefiting locals, service providers, visitors, and the environment.
- Implementation: It requires proper planning and integration of different elements for success.
MEGHALAYA AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
Meghalaya is a biodiversity hotspot with beautiful landscapes. Some villages outside Shillong, the capital, are known for their scenic attractions. A sustainable tourism plan for Meghalaya aims to strengthen agriculture and manufacturing while promoting tourism.
Key focus areas include:
- Developing infrastructure
- Encouraging private investment
- Supporting local entrepreneurs
- Involving local communities
- Protecting the environment
- Maintaining health and hygiene standards
- Creating a unique tourism brand
- Building eco-friendly structures
THE IMPACT OF GROWING TOURISM
The increase in tourists has brought challenges, especially since Meghalaya’s tourism is nature-based. It takes a long time for nature to recover from damage, so sustainability is essential.
Problems include:
- Lack of proper restrooms and food stalls
- Uncontrolled use of landscapes
- Heavy tourist traffic
- Poor waste management
- Insufficient facilities on roadsides
Tourism has also increased income and employment. More hotels, guest houses, and restaurants have opened. However, businesspeople from outside have acquired community land in Sohra, promising local job opportunities. The lack of restrooms forces travelers to relieve themselves in the open, which is unhygienic, especially for women.
SOCIAL IMPACT OF TOURISM
Tourism creates social interactions between hosts and visitors. According to sociologist Max Weber, social actions influence one another. In tourism, interactions involve money exchanged for services, making it a rational action. Both hosts and visitors consider their needs and choices. These interactions build social relationships and contribute to economic activities.
CONCLUSION
Sustainable tourism in Meghalaya must balance economic benefits with environmental and social responsibility. Proper infrastructure, community involvement, and responsible tourism practices can help Meghalaya maintain its natural beauty while benefiting from tourism.
