By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 29: Tourism infrastructure projects worth Rs 3,885 crore are expected to give a major boost to Meghalaya’s tourism sector, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said during an event marking World Tourism Day 2025 here on Monday.
The programme was titled ‘Meghalaya Calling—The One Connect Meghalaya Experience.
Addressing the gathering, Sangma said that 210 projects valued at Rs 3,625 crore are already being implemented. He added that the Centre, through the Ministry of DoNER, recently sanctioned an additional Rs 260 crore under PM-DevINE for the development of tourism infrastructure, particularly in Sohra and adjoining areas.
Sangma also highlighted the state’s shortage of accommodation facilities and said that the government is pushing the CM’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission in a mission mode to address this gap.
“These homestays will not only accommodate athletes during the National Games 2027, but will later serve tourists visiting the state,” he said, adding that this model eliminates the need for a Games Village that often leads to legacy issues after the event.
On tourism growth, Sangma shared that domestic tourist arrivals rose from 14 lakh in 2023 to 16 lakh in 2024, while international arrivals increased from 2 lakh to 2.3 lakh during the same period. “These numbers reflect the positive transformation in Meghalaya’s tourism sector,” he said.
The Chief Minister also spoke on employment potential, noting that about 50,000 people are currently employed in the tourism sector and the government aims to create another 50,000 jobs. He emphasised that while the state envisions overall economic growth, tourism—along with agriculture, industries, IT and other sectors—will remain a key driver.
Referring to the “concert economy,” Sangma said Meghalaya has long practised this model that boosts tourism and generates substantial revenue. He informed the gathering that the government generated ₹133.43 crore in returns on an investment of ₹23.5 crore in concerts during 2024-25.
“Shillong has now branded itself as a destination where world-renowned artists want to perform, and this adds greatly to our economy,” he said.
Further, Sangma stressed the importance of creating a positive experience for visitors. “All our efforts will be meaningless if tourists do not have happy, memorable, safe and secure experiences. It is the responsibility of every stakeholder to ensure every visitor leaves with pleasant memories,” he said.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister launched the Meghalaya Tourism Helpline (1800-599-2026), the first of its kind in India, available in seven languages daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The helpline aims to provide safety, convenience and reliable information, strengthening Meghalaya’s image as a tourist-friendly state. He also launched the revamped Meghalaya Tourism website, offering itineraries, travel tips, booking facilities, festival calendars, and purchase suggestions.
The Chief Minister formally launched the Meghalaya Homestay Mission document, which offers a 70% subsidy to entrepreneurs. The mission aims to build 3,000 homestays with 6,000 rooms by 2028, meeting the projected shortfall. Existing homestays will also be supported through upgrades. First-time applicants will be eligible for grants of up to ₹2 lakh.
The mission is family-based, allowing one member per family to apply, and will continue to build skilled entrepreneurs with support from MSSDS, FCI Tura, and IHM Shillong. Under the earlier scheme, over 600 homestay owners were trained through the Entrepreneurship Development Programme.
As part of the programme, the Chief Minister also flagged off 10 new vehicles under the Meghalaya PRIME Tourism Vehicle Scheme and felicitated the recipients of the Community-led Tourism Infrastructure Scheme.
The event also saw the presentation of the Outlook Responsible Tourism Awards, recognising contributions in homestays, B&Bs and guesthouses, travel enterprises, musical enterprises, food, nature conservation, and cultural promotion. The Overall Outlook Responsible Tourism Award was conferred on the Living Bridge Foundation.
