By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 19: The Meghalaya government on Friday handed over land for the construction of the Taj Umiam Resort & Spa at Umiam Lake in Ri-Bhoi district, marking a significant step in the state’s tourism development programme.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira, GAD and C&RD Minister Sosthenes Sohtun, MTDC Chairman Marthon Sangma, and senior government officials attended the ceremony.
The upcoming five-star luxury resort, being developed with an investment of Rs 330 crore, will be the largest hospitality project in Meghalaya. Upon completion, Shillong and its outskirts will have the fourth five-star property.
Recalling the vision of former Chief Minister PA Sangma, Conrad Sangma said that Umiam was conceptualised as a premier tourism destination in 1988, laying the foundation for much of the existing infrastructure. “What was envisioned decades ago is now being taken to the next level,” he said.
He thanked Shira, the officials of the Tourism Department and MTDC, and all stakeholders for their efforts to give shape to a vision.
Highlighting the impact of the Taj brand’s arrival at Umiam, the Chief Minister said the project is expected to generate substantial employment, boost local businesses, and strengthen Meghalaya’s position as a premium tourism destination. “This is just the beginning. With strategic investments, community participation, and visionary planning, tourism will continue to be a key growth engine that benefits every citizen of Meghalaya,” he said.
He said the handover marks a defining moment in Meghalaya’s tourism journey, noting that the state welcomed nearly 16 lakh visitors in 2024 and is projected to cross 20 lakh tourists by 2028. With more than 300 scenic locations, rich cultural heritage, and natural beauty, he said Meghalaya is steadily emerging as a strong tourism brand at the national and global levels.
The chief minister noted that since 2018, tourism in Meghalaya has seen consistent growth and is now officially recognised as an industry, facilitating investment and partnerships. The sector currently contributes 7.7% to the state’s GSDP, with a target to increase this to 8.8% by 2032.
He said that the state government is implementing 254 tourism infrastructure projects worth Rs 3,914.51 crore, covering destination development, accommodation and experiential tourism.
Among these are 26 iconic and experiential projects valued at over Rs 1,400 crore, including the Shillong Ropeway, Mawkdok Skywalk, Meghalayan Cave Experience Centre at Mawmluh, and the Rain & Bamboo Interpretation Centre at Mawsynram.
Emphasising Umiam’s strategic importance, the chief minister said, “Umiam is the first destination that greets most visitors entering Meghalaya. Just 17 km from Shillong and 14 km from Umroi Airport, it is a natural gateway to the state and will now take centre stage in our growth plan.”
More than Rs 500 crore has been earmarked for Umiam’s development, including the Taj Umiam Resort & Spa, luxury cottages under PPP mode, redevelopment of Umiam Lake under the SASCI project, a convention centre, and enhanced water sports and adventure tourism facilities. The destination is being developed as a high-end, low-density tourism hub, aligned with Meghalaya’s ecological priorities.
Stressing inclusive growth, the Chief Minister said tourism development in the state goes beyond five-star hotels. “We have one of the most aggressive policies in the country to promote homestays and community-led tourism so that people directly benefit from the Meghalaya brand,” he said.
Under the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission, the government provides a subsidy of up to 70% for homestay development. The earlier phase supported 800 homestays, creating 1,600 jobs, while the current mission aims to develop 3,000 homestays by 2028.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the success of Meghalaya’s concert economy, which attracted 3.86 lakh attendees across seven major concerts between 2024 and 2025.
A public investment of Rs 23.5 crore generated Rs 133.42 crore in economic activity, creating around 5,500 jobs per day and benefitting youth, freelancers, homestay owners and women-led enterprises.
He further said that improving access remains a priority, with a continued focus on better roads, airport expansion, and last-mile connectivity.
