Shillong || With tourists returning to Meghalaya in large numbers, industry experts say the state now faces a bigger challenge, that is, finding enough trained people to keep the sector running smoothly.
At a recent panel discussion hosted by the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS) at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Shillong, speakers agreed that skills training will be the backbone of sustainable tourism in the years ahead.
The session brought together some of the state’s most experienced voices in tourism and hospitality. Among them were Bah Philip Tariang from the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya; Bah E.B Blah, President of the Tour Operators’ Association of Meghalaya; Bah Alan West Kharkongor, Director of the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC); and Paramvir Singh Sehdave, President of the Federation of Shillong Hotels.
Many in the sector pointed out that while Meghalaya has made good progress building roads, guesthouses, and attractions, it still faces a shortage of properly trained staff. Infrastructure alone will not be enough if service standards don’t keep up.
“People think tourism just means building hotels and getting tourists here,” said Singh, a professional in the hospitality industry. “But if we don’t have trained staff, none of it will work. Guests expect good service, and we need to be ready.”
Singh explained that many young people finish courses in tourism and hospitality but still lack basic practical skills. “They don’t know how to manage property management systems, handle accounts, or deal with online travel agents simultaneously,” he said. “Multitasking is essential. Smaller hotels can’t afford to hire separate staff for everything.”
Training During the Lockdown
Bah Philip Tariang, a representative of the Tourism Department said the pandemic was tough on everyone in the tourism business. But he credited the department for using the lockdown period to start more training programs.
“They didn’t sit around waiting for things to get better,” Bah Philip said. “They worked with communities, offered skill training, and prepared people for when tourists came back.”
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A Shift Away from Government Jobs
Speakers also stressed that young people need to move past the idea that government jobs are the only good jobs.
“Tourism can offer a lot of employment if you take it seriously,” said Bah Alan West Kharkongor, Director of the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation. “But you have to be passionate and well-trained.”
Bah Blah, President of the Tour Operators’ Association of Meghalaya, added that professional service is what makes visitors come back. “Tourists remember how you treat them,” he said. “If our service is poor, they will go elsewhere.”
Schemes for Entrepreneurs
Panelists also talked about different government schemes now available to help people start their own tourism businesses. Programs like CM Elevate, the Agro Villa Scheme, and the Prime Vehicle Scheme have made it easier for entrepreneurs to get loans and subsidies to set up homestays, guesthouses, or transport services.
But they cautioned that starting a business is just the first step. “Anyone can open a homestay,” Bah Philip said. Running it well, however, is a different matter, requiring the ability to market the business effectively, manage guests properly, and maintain high standards.
Bah Alan West Kharkongor said people in the state often just follow what others are doing. If someone starts a homestay, many rush to do the same, without realising there are plenty of other opportunities in tourism, like setting up stalls to sell local handicrafts or offering traditional experiences. He encouraged local entrepreneurs to look around, understand the environment, and choose the kind of work that actually fits the place and the demand.
Looking Ahead
With tourism picking up speed again, the consensus was clear—Meghalaya has the potential to grow, but only if it invests in its people.
“MSSDS has done a lot to start building skills,” Bah Alan said. “Now, it’s up to young people to take these opportunities and make tourism their own.”
Meghalaya’s landscape and culture will keep drawing visitors. But to build a strong reputation and grow sustainably, the state will need more trained hands and fresh ideas. In the end, it’s skilled workers who turn beautiful places into memorable experiences.
