By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 6: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday said the proposed Taj luxury spa resort at Umiam will come up within the premises of Orchid Lake Resort and expressed concern that the project had been viewed from a “very narrow perspective”.
Speaking at a programme celebrating the Empowerment of Tourism Champions of Meghalaya at Orchid Lake Resort, Umiam, Sangma said comments and perceptions about such projects could adversely affect the state’s branding as a tourism destination.
He said while it may appear simple to discuss such matters in the media, people often fail to realise the wider impact that negative comments can have on the state’s image outside.
“People notice these kinds of comments. It is not Conrad Sangma or the Government of Meghalaya that is affected by such comments. It is all of you – the stakeholders who benefit from the policies and the infrastructure that is coming up,” he said.
The Chief Minister said concerns related to tourism projects are legitimate and must be addressed, but maintained that the overall outlook should remain constructive and forward-looking. “Concerns are always there and concerns need to be addressed. Our government has never shied away from addressing those concerns. But the thought process and outlook should be positive. The idea should be to create opportunities for our people, not close opportunities for them,” he said.
He further said that every project, whether big or small, contributes to the state’s larger long-term vision of building a thriving tourism sector that generates employment and livelihood opportunities.
Sangma said the tourism sector in Meghalaya has undergone major changes in the past eight years, and more transformation is expected in the coming years.
According to him, the entry of major hospitality players helps position Meghalaya among premier tourist destinations.
“When a large resort comes in, it makes Meghalaya one of the premier destinations for tourists. This is how we place Meghalaya on the global map—by ensuring that iconic global projects come up here,” he said.
The Chief Minister outlined several major tourism projects which are expected to reshape the sector over the next two to three years. These include the proposed Shillong Ropeway, Skywalk at Mawkdok, Rain Museum at Mawsynram, Museum for Living Root Bridges, and integrated tourism centres in Sohra, Mandalgre and Siju.
He said these investments are aimed at improving the quality of visitor experience, while ensuring that local communities, entrepreneurs, and youth benefit directly from tourism-led growth.
Highlighting connectivity as a key factor, Sangma said the work for the expansion of the Shillong airport runway had been awarded by the Government of India on April 1. He said the work is expected to begin soon and should be completed within 15 months.
“With larger aircraft expected to start operating into Shillong, this will be a major game changer for the tourism sector,” he said.
The Chief Minister said tourism cannot be driven by the government alone but requires collective participation from all stakeholders, including hotel owners, resort operators, restaurateurs, taxi operators and local communities.
He said tourism is built not only on infrastructure but also on the human experience. “Sometimes it is the smile of a driver, the kindness of a local person or a small gesture of help that leaves a lasting impression on tourists,” he said.
In his address, Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira said Meghalaya is witnessing a larger transformation in the tourism sector. He said provisional figures indicate that the state received around 18 lakh visitors in 2025.
“Tourism is no longer just about arrivals. It has become a strong pillar of the state’s economy, creating opportunities across sectors,” Shira said.
The minister said more than 150 tourism projects are under implementation across the state, involving investments worth thousands of crores of rupees.
He said the state is also working towards developing Umiam as a global tourist destination in line with the national roadmap for world-class destinations.
Shira said the state has established a dedicated Destination Management Organisation for professional management of global destinations. It will oversee destination planning, inter-departmental coordination, service standards, promotion, visitor management and waste management.
Shira said the objective is to ensure single-point accountability, sustained quality and greater local participation as tourism destinations continue to expand.
During the programme, the dignitaries distributed sanction letters to new beneficiaries under the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission, Community Led Infrastructure Scheme and Prime Tourism Vehicle Scheme.
The government also felicitated successful participants under the Chief Minister’s Homestay Scheme and PMEGP, announced sanction for construction, modification and upgradation of toilets at tourist sites across the state and handed over full-course scholarship certificates to students of the Institute of Hotel Management under the Chief Minister Hospitality Scheme.
