MLCU and Hima Sohra Celebrate World Tourism Day 2025 with Emphasis on Sustainable Tourism

 

The Department of Tourism and Travel Management at Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU), in partnership with Hima Sohra and the Meghalaya Rural Tourism Forum (MRTF), organized a two-day celebration of World Tourism Day 2025 under the global theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” The event focused on highlighting tourism’s role in sustainability, community development, and responsible travel while engaging students, local stakeholders, and visitors in meaningful initiatives.

 

The celebrations began on September 26 with the launch of the Clean, Green and Safe Sohra Campaign at Mawkdok. Over 40 MLCU students joined community members in a large-scale cleaning drive to encourage responsible tourism practices. A facilitation booth distributed waste bags to tourist cab drivers and pamphlets to visitors, promoting eco-friendly behavior and proper waste management.

 

Later in the afternoon, a formal programme was held opposite Café Cherrapunjee, marking the official launch of the campaign. During this event, MLCU’s Department of Tourism and Travel Management signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hima Sohra to strengthen rural tourism initiatives and enhance community participation in Sohra.

 

The celebrations continued on September 27 with active involvement in the 4th Sohra International Half Marathon. Students volunteered along the marathon route in collaboration with local schools, including Laitryngew Presbyterian School and Mawmihthied Upper Primary School, assisting with event logistics and crowd management. To reinforce the message of sustainability, flex banners with slogans in both English and Khasi were displayed at key points such as Laitsohpliah, Umstew, and Lad Mawkma, raising awareness about safe and responsible tourism.