By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 30: Meghalaya is projected to require 19,000 rooms by 2028 as it emerges as one of the most sought-after tourism destinations in the country.
Tourism Department Commissioner and Secretary, Vijay Kumar D said that Meghalaya, particularly Shillong, has now become one of the most preferred tourism destinations, with travel platform Skyscanner repeatedly listing it among the most searched locations.
“Currently, we have about 9,000 rooms in the state, but by 2028 we will require nearly 19,000 rooms. Even with several projects being implemented under the Chief Minister’s guidance including PPP ventures only around 3,000 new rooms will be added, leaving a significant gap,” Kumar noted.
He highlighted the success of an earlier homestay scheme implemented in convergence with the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme. Under the scheme, 35% subsidy was provided by the state government and another 35% by PMEGP.
Kumar described it as a “wonderful model of convergence with a Government of India programme” that had worked well.
“Our initial target was to establish 2,000 homestays, and we have already sanctioned close to 800. Work is ongoing to achieve the remaining target. However, circumstances have changed, prompting us to reimagine this initiative,” he said.
Kumar also pointed out that Meghalaya will host the National Games in 2027 underscoring the need for adequate and high-quality accommodation to welcome visitors on the national stage.
In response, the state has transformed the existing scheme into the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission.
The mission aims to create 3,000 new homestays within the next three years, with a 70% subsidy fully funded by the state government.
Unlike the previous scheme, the new initiative will not converge with PMEGP, as the latter is currently being restructured.
