Tourism in Meghalaya is facing growing uncertainty after tensions with neighbouring Assam led to widespread cancellations of hotel and homestay bookings. Around 80-90 per cent of tourist bookings in Shillong, Sohra and nearby areas have reportedly been cancelled, according to feedback collected from hospitality properties and tourism-sector sources. The figure has not been independently verified by the government, but tourism operators say the situation is already affecting visitor confidence.

The cancellations follow violence during a Khasi Students' Union rally in Shillong on August 19 and subsequent tensions over movement between Assam and Meghalaya. E.B. Blah, president of the Tour Operators Association of Meghalaya, said the developments could damage the confidence the state has built as a tourist destination. He noted that while August is generally a quieter period for tourism, the latest cancellations have also affected some confirmed bookings.

The tourism industry is particularly concerned about the upcoming festive season, when visitor numbers usually rise significantly. Tour operators and hospitality businesses had already begun preparing for tourists planning trips to Meghalaya during the Durga Puja and Christmas periods. However, operators are now receiving calls from prospective visitors seeking information about the situation and asking whether travelling to Shillong and Sohra remains safe.

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Connectivity between Assam and Meghalaya has emerged as another major concern. A significant number of tourists travelling to Meghalaya from outside the state pass through Guwahati and Jorabat, making the Assam-Meghalaya road corridor important for tourism. Operators have warned that road blockades or disruptions could prevent visitors from reaching hotels even if they have already made reservations. The impact could also spread to tourists travelling across multiple northeastern states as part of wider travel itineraries.

Tourism organisations in Meghalaya have condemned the violence and vandalism involving vehicles from outside the state, including tourist taxis and buses. In a joint statement issued on August 20, several tourism bodies appealed against retaliatory action and urged authorities to take legal action against those responsible. The organisations warned that such incidents could damage Meghalaya's image and affect businesses and workers dependent on hotels, homestays, transport services, restaurants, guides, handicrafts and other tourism-related activities.

Despite the uncertainty, tourism activity in Meghalaya has not completely stopped, with some visitors continuing to travel to the region. Tourism operators, however, say a quick return to normalcy is essential to prevent further cancellations ahead of the peak season. They are calling for the restoration of smooth movement between Assam and Meghalaya and greater reassurance for visitors so that the current tensions do not develop into a prolonged setback for the state's tourism economy.

Also Read: Assam Taxi Operators Halt Highway Traffic, Protesting Violence In Shillong; Hundreds Stranded