rural tourism in Meghalaya: Experiences and satisfaction of tourists

Meghalaya with its charming landscape, favorable geo-ecological settings, cascading waterfalls, rich traditional ethnicity, hospitable locals and rich agro-biodiversity has emerged as a major tourism attraction, with a tremendous scope for rural tourism. Rural tourism provides escapade for urban jungle settlers from their hectic lifestyle at the same time generate a wide range of employment opportunities for the rural populace. Unique rural tourism experiences with quality standards and service loyalty enhances tourists’ satisfaction that in turn influences their revisit. The present study was conducted in Meghalaya state in two popular rural tourism centers viz., Mawlynnong and Sohliya to study the rural tourism experiences available and tourists’ satisfaction of experiences thereof. 60 tourists (30 of each village) were randomly sampled. Results indicate that most tourist were young, with decent education and employment. It was also found that ‘exploring culture and ethnicity’ (60%) and ‘fun & recreation’ (50%) were major reasons to visit the destinations. Tourism experiences offered in Mawlynnong were related with countryside landscape and natural environment; however it was season-bound strawberry farms in case of Sohliya. Most satisfied aspects of the tourism centers were cleanliness (4.76) in Mawlynnong and climate (4.53) in Sohliya. Application of principle of local resources in tourism development, capacity building of locals to explore tourism related entrepreneurial ventures and avenues to showcase local culture and history is recommended to enhance tourists satisfaction.