Shillong, Sep 29: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma’s gave his government credit for Meghalaya finally capitalising on the immense potential the state has in terms of tourism’s transformational power.
Speaking at a World Tourism Day function here today, Sangma said that a lot of changes have taken place in the tourism sector over the last few years since his government has considered tourism as a major sector.
“We have realised the immense opportunities in this sector in terms of employment generation and also in terms of the competitive advantage that we as a state have in this sector and we have finally started to see the impact of the steps taken to improve the overall tourism ecosystem in the state,” he said while highlighting visitor numbers to Meghalaya, which were 16 lakh domestic tourists and 23,000 foreigners in 2024.
“These numbers are a testament of the changes we are seeing in the tourism sector and the growth is very consistent and sustainable with the outcome of planned policies and strategies put in place,” the CM said.
Talking about the potential of employment generation in the tourism sector, Sangma informed that about 50,000 people are directly or indirectly employed and the target of the government is to create another 50,000 jobs. He also stressed that even as the state has envisioned economic growth for the state, this will be achieved through tourism, agriculture, industries, IT and other sectors impacting the life of each and every citizen.
The CM also informed that there are currently around 210 tourism infrastructure projects valued at approximately Rs 3,625 crore that are being implemented throughout Meghalaya.
Despite private and public investment and financial support to increase the number of hotels, etc, Meghalaya still has a huge shortage in the availability of rooms as against the demand. The government has thus tried to push forwards a homestay promotion scheme in mission mode.
“These homestays which we are pushing through the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission will serve as accommodation for athletes during the National Games 2027 in Meghalaya and after the games they will cater to the needs of the tourists who visit the state,” he said.
This model is meant to do away with the need of creating a Games Village that often leads to legacy issues after the sporting event. The central government has also sanctioned an additional amount of Rs 260 crore under PM-DevINE for the development of tourism in Sohra and adjoining areas.
Talking about connectivity that is a major factor for tourism growth and development, the Chief Minister informed that by early 2027 the extension of the Umroi Airport will be complete facilitating landing of bigger aircrafts from different cities of the country.
Sangma also spoke at length about the concept of concert economy, stating, “This is a concept that we have been practising for a very long time and these activities not only boost tourism but the revenue that is generated through these activities are much higher than what the government invests in these concerts as partner organisers,” he said. The government has previously quoted figures, and the CM repeated them, that the state spent Rs 23.5 crore in 2024-25 on concerts and festivals but the revenue boost to the state economy was Rs 133.43 crore.
“We have been able to brand ourselves as the destination where the world renowned artists themselves want to perform in Shillong and this is something that adds to our economy,” he added.
The Chief Minister also launched the Meghalaya Tourism Helpline Number 1800-599-2026 the first of its kind in India. The helpline is available in seven languages offering safety, convenience and reliable information operating daily from 8am to 8pm. The Meghalaya Tourism website has also been revamped.
The Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission document was also launched. The mission offers a 70 percent subsidy with the aim to build 3,000 homestays, adding 6,000 rooms which will meet the projected shortfall by 2028. It will also support existing homestays through asset upgrades.
