In a significant move to diversify its tourism portfolio, the picturesque northeastern state of Meghalaya recently hosted it’s first-ever delegation of prominent Arab social media influencers. Their glowing endorsement of the region as an ideal summer retreat for Gulf travelers is set to put Meghalaya firmly on the Middle Eastern tourism map.
The visit, orchestrated by Gateway Malabar Holidays, saw influencers Mr. Rajis Al Khudari from Saudi Arabia, and Mr. Ali Habeeb and Mr. Abdullah (Abu Dana) from the UAE, explore Meghalaya’s famed waterfalls, refreshing climate, and serene landscapes. Known for their large followings and passion for nature, monsoons, and discovering hidden gems, the influencers were reportedly captivated by the state’s natural beauty and warm hospitality. Their experiences are expected to generate significant interest among their thousands of followers back home, particularly those seeking an escape from the intense summer heat of the Gulf region.
Gateway Malabar Holidays, a leading Indian Destination Management Company (DMC) specializing in curated holidays and medical value travel packages for high-end Arab travelers to India, spearheaded the initiative to invite Arab influencers to Meghalaya. Led by its Managing Director, Mr. Jihad Hussain, the company aimed to showcase the beauty and vibrancy of India’s northeastern states. This pioneering effort received strong backing from the Meghalaya Tourism Department. Mr. Cyril Darlong Diengdoh, IAS, Director of Tourism, Meghalaya, warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed his full support for the project. Recognizing the untapped potential of the Arab market, Director Diengdoh also facilitated a crucial meeting between the influencers, Gateway Malabar Holidays, and the Meghalaya Travel Agents’ Association, laying the foundation for sustained collaboration.
Mr. Jihad Husain, Founder & Managing Director of Gateway Malabar Holidays & Medisafar, whose companies have a two-decade history of promoting Indian tourism in the Gulf, highlighted the strategic timing of the visit. “With the summer vacation season approaching in the Middle East, Gateway Malabar Holidays is rolling out a strategic plan to promote Meghalaya as a premier destination for Arab travelers,” he stated.
The plan to attract Arab tourists is comprehensive. Key strategies include developing customized travel experiences tailored to cultural preferences, exploring the feasibility of direct flight routes from Gulf countries to Northeastern airports like Guwahati or Shillong, and creating Arabic-language tourism guides and promotional materials. Further collaborations with Arab influencers, training programs for local hospitality staff on Arab cultural expectations, and participation in major tourism expos across Gulf countries are also in the pipeline.
This focused initiative is being viewed as more than just a tourism campaign. Organizers believe it represents a significant step towards building cultural bridges and unlocking economic opportunities for Meghalaya and, by extension, Northeast India. The endorsement from respected Arab voices, coupled with the proactive approach of the Meghalaya Tourism Department, signals a promising new chapter for the region’s presence in the international tourism arena.
“This is just the beginning,” added Husain, emphasizing the long-term vision for positioning Meghalaya as a unique and welcoming destination for travelers from the Arab world.
