Shillong: Tourism is booming in Meghalaya, but the industry faces a dark side. Hotels and homestays report a spike in property damage, unreasonable guest demands, and threats of fake negative reviews. These issues are no longer isolated events. Parambir Singh, president of the Federation of Shillong Hotels, says the industry now considers these confrontations an occupational hazard.
Disputes often spiral when staff deny impossible requests. One guest trashed a reputation with multiple bad ratings simply because staff could not provide a late-night sweet dish. Sehdave noted the pattern of abuse: "Dealing with such situations has become an occupational hazard for those in the hospitality industry."
Tensions boiled over recently in Shillong’s Risa Colony. A group of tourists from Uttar Pradesh allegedly wrecked an Airbnb, an incident captured in viral video footage that sparked public fury. Police tracked the suspects to Alipurduar, West Bengal, and arrested Vikash Singh, Avinash Singh, Akhand Singh, and three minors aged around 17.
Authorities charged the group under Sections 351(3), 324(3), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The court granted the accused bail because the potential prison time for their alleged crimes falls under seven years. Police are still investigating the case. Local stakeholders now demand better safeguards and stricter accountability for travelers to protect their properties.
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