≡-Meghalaya Tourism Department Defends Workforce Development Efforts Amid Criticism Over Skilled Professional Shortage – Viral of Today

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Home » TOURISM NEWS » Meghalaya Tourism Department Defends Workforce Development Efforts Amid Criticism Over Skilled Professional Shortage Wednesday, June 25, 2025Following recent concerns raised about the perceived shortage of trained professionals in Meghalaya’s tourism sector, the state’s Tourism Department has issued a clarification, defending its ongoing efforts to build a skilled and future-ready workforce. This response comes in the context of a report that highlighted the state’s preparedness to manage the growing influx of tourists, especially in light of the tragic death of Raja Raghuvanshi, who reportedly died during his honeymoon trip in the state last month.The Tourism Department has emphasized the continuous and concerted efforts being made to develop a robust tourism workforce in Meghalaya, addressing the challenges associated with the rapid growth of the tourism sector.Meghalaya’s Tourism Workforce Development: An OverviewThe Tourism Department pointed out that Meghalaya has made significant strides in developing its tourism workforce, including the establishment of one of the first regional branches of the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM) in the Northeast. IITTM, a national institution under the Ministry of Tourism, plays a key role in training tourism professionals, and its branch in Meghalaya marks a milestone in the state’s commitment to professionalizing the tourism industry.The state government also mentioned that land has already been allotted for the permanent campus of IITTM at Mawkhanu, Mawpdang, in the New Shillong Township. This step is expected to further strengthen the tourism sector by providing long-term training and development opportunities for local professionals. The successful facilitation of the IITTM’s presence in Meghalaya was hailed as a significant achievement for the state, which the government considers a testament to its effective collaboration with the Government of India.Collaboration and Capacity Building: Ongoing EffortsWhile acknowledging that skill development is a continuous, multi-faceted effort that requires collaboration across various sectors, the Tourism Department outlined the progress made in advancing capacity-building initiatives. The department has been actively working with key institutions such as the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS), the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), IITTM, and the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). These partnerships aim to equip individuals with the skills needed to thrive in the growing tourism sector.According to the department, more than 1,500 individuals have already benefited from specialized capacity-building programs focused on the hospitality sector. These efforts include training in various aspects of tourism and hospitality, ensuring that a larger pool of skilled professionals is ready to meet the demands of the sector.Chief Minister’s Elevate Scheme: Empowering BeneficiariesIn addition to the institutional partnerships and training programs, the Tourism Department highlighted the role of the Chief Minister’s Elevate Scheme in driving capacity-building initiatives across the state. The scheme, which aims to enhance the skills of individuals in various sectors, has a core component dedicated to tourism and hospitality.For example, under the Homestay Scheme and Prime Vehicle Scheme, each beneficiary undergoes a comprehensive training program. These schemes have been designed to create a pool of skilled individuals who can contribute to the growth and sustainability of Meghalaya’s tourism industry. A total of 675 beneficiaries have already participated in these training programs, equipping them with the skills needed to run successful homestays and operate tourism-related vehicles.The Elevate Scheme is particularly important for empowering local communities and individuals, enabling them to become active participants in the tourism sector. By providing training and resources to these individuals, the scheme aims to create a more inclusive and equitable tourism ecosystem in the state.Meghalaya’s Tourism: Growth, Reputation, and Strategic DirectionDespite the criticism surrounding the workforce shortage, the Tourism Department emphasized that Meghalaya’s tourism sector has experienced significant growth and recognition on a national level. The state has garnered a reputation for its commitment to safety, inclusivity, and responsible tourism practices, which have made it a frontrunner in India’s tourism landscape.The growth of tourism in Meghalaya has been remarkable, with the state seeing an increase in both domestic and international visitors. This growth has been driven by the state’s unique offerings, including its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and the warm hospitality of its people. Additionally, the Meghalaya Tourism Policy 2023 has provided a clear strategic direction for the sector, ensuring that growth is sustainable and that the tourism ecosystem remains resilient to future challenges.The state’s emphasis on safety and inclusivity has been central to its success. Meghalaya has focused on creating a tourism environment that is welcoming to all visitors, regardless of their backgrounds or needs. This focus on inclusivity has helped build trust with tourists, encouraging them to visit the state and explore its diverse attractions.The Commitment to a Skilled, Empowered, and Future-Ready Tourism EcosystemIn its statement, the Tourism Department reaffirmed the state’s commitment to building a skilled, empowered, and future-ready tourism workforce. While the sector continues to grow, the government remains focused on ensuring that the tourism industry’s workforce is equipped to meet the evolving demands of the global tourism market.Meghalaya’s government recognizes that building a future-ready workforce is an ongoing process that requires continuous investment in training, skill development, and infrastructure. By strengthening partnerships with key institutions and implementing targeted programs such as the Chief Minister’s Elevate Scheme, the state aims to create a sustainable tourism workforce that can effectively manage the increasing number of tourists visiting the state.Addressing Concerns and Moving ForwardThe Tourism Department’s response to the criticism surrounding the shortage of trained professionals underscores the importance of addressing concerns proactively. While the tourism sector in Meghalaya has made significant progress, it is clear that there are ongoing challenges related to workforce development. As the state continues to see growth in its tourism sector, there will be a need for continued focus on training and skill-building initiatives to ensure that the workforce remains equipped to meet the demands of the industry.The tragic incident involving Raja Raghuvanshi, which brought attention to the state’s tourism preparedness, serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards of safety and professionalism in the industry. The government’s ongoing efforts to improve crisis management and safety measures are critical to ensuring that tourists feel safe and welcome in Meghalaya.In conclusion, the Tourism Department’s response to the criticism over the shortage of trained professionals highlights the state’s commitment to building a robust, skilled, and future-ready workforce for the tourism sector. Through partnerships with educational institutions, capacity-building programs, and initiatives like the Chief Minister’s Elevate Scheme, Meghalaya is taking steps to address workforce challenges and build a sustainable tourism ecosystem. As the state continues to grow as a leading tourism destination, these efforts will be vital to ensuring that the sector remains competitive, inclusive, and resilient in the face of future challenges.Tags: Chief Minister’s Elevate Scheme, hospitality training, Meghalaya skill development, Meghalaya tourism, Meghalaya Tourism Policy, skill development, tourism capacity building, tourism education, Tourism Initiatives, Tourism professionals, tourism sector growth, tourism workforce, tourism workforce shortage, Workforce Development

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