Shillong, Sep 26: As the world marks World Tourism Day 2026, Meghalaya on Saturday said its tourism-linked livelihoods have grown from around 50,000 in 2022 to over 75,000 in 2025, with tourist footfall reaching 18.55 lakh last year.
The state said it is shifting from volume to value — a community-led, climate-resilient model focused on high-value, low-volume tourism, carrying capacity, right pricing and zero-waste management under Tourism Policy 2023.
Putting communities at the centre, the government in a release said it has sanctioned 877 homestays with over Rs 120 crore disbursed, generating 6,000-plus jobs. Under the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission, 1,000 homestays will be created and upgraded in 2026-27 as part of a 3,000-homestay vision.
It has proposed over Rs 162 crore for tourism infrastructure and community tourism, with four hubs — Umiam, Sohra, Dawki-Shnongpdeng and Nokrek — identified for transformation into global destinations. Over 150 tourism projects are active as part of the push towards a USD 16 billion economy.
Key projects include the Rs 233.75-crore PM-DevINE Sohra Circuit covering Nohkalikai Falls and Mawsmai Eco Park, Shillong Peak Ropeway, Mawkdok Skywalk, Rain and Bamboo Interpretation Centre at Mawsynram, Living Root Bridge Museum, Tura Integrated Hospitality and Convention Centre and Umngot Riverfront at Dawki.
On technology, the state said it is aligning with this year’s theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”, by using AI to forecast demand, manage crowd and traffic flows and monitor carrying capacity, backed by Tourist Buddies — trained local youth deployed at major destinations.
The Prime Tourism Vehicle Scheme under CM-ELEVATE, with GPS-enabled vehicles and tourism training, is generating livelihoods for local entrepreneurs, it added.
On the creative economy, the CM’s Grassroots Music Programme has supported over 7,000 artists and generated over 6,000 livelihoods, while Me’Gong, Cherry Blossom and Shillong Lit Fest together drew over 1.1 lakh visitors in 2025.
Heritage initiatives include the Pine Home Eco-Sustainable Model at Mawlangwir and the newly inaugurated Twahlongwar Open Air Museum at Mawsynram with over 20 ancient structures, the government said.
