Shillong, September 29 (NNN): Over 210 tourism infrastructure projects worth Rs 3625 crore are being implemented throughout Meghalaya, according to chief minister Conrad K Sangma.

Speaking at the state celebrations of World Tourism Day at Marriot Courtyard, Shillong, Sangma said that a lot of changes have taken place in the tourism sector over the last few years since the government has taken tourism as a major sector.

“We have realized 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, substantiating this by adding that in 2024 the state had a footfall of 16 lakh domestic tourists and 2.3 lakh international tourists.

“These numbers are a testament of the changes we are seeing in the tourism sector and the growth is very consistent and sustainable, the outcome of planned policies and strategies put in place,” he said.

Talking about the potential of employment generation in the tourism sector, the chief minister 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, it will be achieved through tourism, agriculture, industries, IT and other sectors impacting the life of every citizen of the state.

He further explained that the state has a huge shortage in the availability of rooms as against the demand, thus necessitating the need to push homestays on a 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.

He also said that this model will do away with the need of creating a Games Village that often leads to legacy issues after the games. He informed that the Government of India through DoNER has sanctioned an additional amount of Rs 260 crore under PM-DevINE for the development of tourism in Sohra and adjoining areas.

Talking about connectivity, 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 the landing of bigger aircraft from different cities of the country. He also elucidated the projects that are in the pipeline to improve the tourism ecosystem in Meghalaya to absorb the inflow of tourists in future.

The chief minister also spoke at length about the concept of concert economy that the prime minister often refers to, stating, “This is a concept that we have been practicing for a very long time and these activities not only boost tourism but the revenue that is generated through these activities is much higher than what the government invests in these concerts as partner organizers,” he said, and informed that the government spent Rs 23.5 crore in 2024–25 but the revenue generated in the economy was Rs 133.43 crore.

“We have been able to brand ourselves as the destination where world renowned artists themselves want to perform in Shillong and this is something that adds to our economy,” he added.

In conclusion, the chief minister said that all the efforts of creating an ecosystem for ensuring that tourism in the state thrives and prospers will be meaningless if the tourists do not have a happy, memorable, safe, secure and positive experience. “It is the responsibility of every stakeholder to ensure that every person who visits our state leaves with pleasant experiences,” he said.

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 8 am to 8 pm. This initiative will strengthen the image of Meghalaya as a safe, inclusive and tourist-friendly destination. The revamped Meghalaya Tourism website was also launched, replacing the old platform. The user-friendly website includes suggested itineraries, travel tips, booking hotels, homestays, transport, festival calendars, purchase suggestions and more.

The Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission document was also launched. The mission offers a 70 per cent subsidy and aims to build 3,000 homestays, adding 6,000 rooms to meet the projected shortfall by 2028. It will also support existing homestays through asset upgrades. Entrepreneurs who have not previously availed the Meghalaya Homestay Scheme will be eligible for a grant of up to Rs 2 lakh.

This is a family-based scheme, allowing one member per family to apply either for new homestay development or upgradation. The mission will also continue building skilled entrepreneurs, supported by MSSDS, FCI Tura, and IHM Shillong. Under the previous scheme, over 600 homestay owners were trained through the Entrepreneurship Development Program for smooth operations.

Under the Meghalaya PRIME Tourism Vehicle Scheme, the chief minister also flagged off 10 more vehicles for the next set of successful applicants. The Community-led Tourism Infrastructure Scheme recipients were also felicitated by the chief minister. The Outlook Magazine’s Responsible Tourism Awards were presented during the occasion. These awards were given for sustainable leadership in homestays, B&B and guest houses, travel enterprises, musical enterprises, food, nature conservation, cultural ambassadors, and the overall Outlook Responsible Tourism Award was given to Living Bridge Foundation.