By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 15: The Meghalaya government is rolling out tourism projects worth over Rs 1,000 crore, encouraged by a significant growth in the state’s tourism sector.
Speaking at an event on Thursday, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said Shillong and Meghalaya have emerged as top travel destinations for both domestic and international tourists.
Noting that Meghalaya has two five-star hotels, he said plans are afoot for the establishment of three more luxury hotels in Shillong.
He revealed that some 700 homestay projects are underway. He said the government aims to increase this number to 2,500 in the near future given increased footfall of tourists.
On infrastructure development, Sangma said the expansion of the Shillong Airport at Umroi is expected to begin by September this year and be completed by May 2027. Once operational, airlines such as IndiGo and SpiceJet are expected to operate direct flights from major cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad.
The chief minister emphasised that this development will be a “game changer,” enhancing not only tourism but also trade and logistics, as the state will be better connected to the rest of the country and potentially the world.
He announced plans for a skywalk project at Mawkdok that will feature a translucent glass walkway offering panoramic views of the valley. He said a Rain Museum is being planned in Mawsynram.
State gears up to welcome 18 lakh tourists
The state government is hoping to get around 18 lakh tourists this year given that many tourists are opting for the Northeast and Meghalaya after the terror attack in Pahalgam.
Commissioner & Secretary of Tourism Department, CVD Diengdoh said 16 lakh tourists visited Meghalaya last year and they stayed in the state for at least one day. In the pre-Covid times, Meghalaya had received around 12 lakh tourists.
Diengdoh said the flow of tourists into Meghalaya increased after the Pahalgam incident. He cited Meghalaya’s improved connectivity as another reason behind this. He also said that the tourists are not only visiting famous places like Dawki and Sohra but also other sites.
He said Mawphanlur is now packed with tourists and the government is trying to create new tourist locations.
He said the work on the Shillong Ropeway project has already started. The project will connect Shillong with the Shillong view point which is a famous tourist spot.
In addition, ecotourism projects like resorts and integrated hospitality and convention centres are also being constructed. One of the most iconic projects will be the skywalk. It will further enhance tourists’ experience in the state.