Shillong, Dec 19: The Meghalaya government today handed over 66 acre of land at Umiam for the upcoming Taj Umiam Resort & Spa.
The five-star resort, to be developed at Rs 300 crore is expected to be one of the largest hospitality project in the North-Eastern region.
Considered as the largest hospitality project in Meghalaya, the project will be constructed by the Tata Group-owned the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL).
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the event marks a “defining moment” in Meghalaya’s tourism journey. Once opened, the Taj Resort & Spa will be a “game changer” for the region and one of the most “iconic resorts” in the country, he said.
“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 added.
According to the Chief Minister, Meghalaya welcomed nearly 16 lakh visitors in 2024 and projected to cross 20 lakh tourists by 2028. He stated that since 2018, tourism in Meghalaya has seen consistent growth and is now officially recognised as an industry, making it easier to attract investment and partnerships. Tourism currently contributes 7.7 per cent to the State’s GSDP, with a target to raise it to 8.8 per cent by 2032, he said.
He further informed that the government is implementing 254 tourism infrastructure projects worth Rs 3,914.51 crore, spanning 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.
Highlighting Umiam’s strategic location, 17 km from Shillong and 14 km from the Umroi airport, he said that more than Rs 500 crore has been earmarked to develop it. The area is being envisioned as a high-end, low-density tourism hub, aligned with Meghalaya’s ecological priorities, he said.
He spoke about promotion of community-led tourism and said that under the CM–Meghalaya Homestay Mission, the government provides up to 70 per cent subsidy for homestay development. While the previous phase supported 800 homestays and created 1,600 jobs, work is underway to develop 3,000 units by 2028, he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted the success of Meghalaya’s concert economy, which between 2024 and 2025 attracted 3.86 lakh attendees across seven major concerts.
A public investment of Rs 23.5 crore generated Rs 133.42 crore in economic activity, creating around 5,500 jobs per day and significantly benefiting youth, freelancers, homestay owners, and women-led enterprises, he said.
On connectivity, he said improving access remains a top priority, with better roads, airport expansion, and last-mile connectivity.
