CM says Shillong airport expansion will be a “game changer” as state targets global tourism growth through infrastructure, homestays and community-led initiatives.
UMIAM, May 6: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday said the state’s tourism ambitions can succeed only through a strong tourism ecosystem involving communities, entrepreneurs, infrastructure and government support.
Speaking at the “Empowerment of Tourism Champions of Meghalaya” event at Orchid Lake in Umiam, the Chief Minister said tourism was no longer limited to festivals and hospitality alone but had evolved into a key economic driver for the state.
“Tourism thrives only when every stakeholder plays their part,” Sangma said, adding that Meghalaya must become a destination that “naturally comes to mind” when families plan travel.
The event, organised by the Tourism Department, brought together tourism entrepreneurs, artisans, students, community leaders and beneficiaries from across Meghalaya, while also highlighting the government’s push towards community-based tourism and livelihood generation.
One of the major announcements at the programme was the progress in the expansion of Shillong Airport. Sangma said the runway expansion contract has now been awarded by the Government of India and is expected to be completed within 15 months, enabling larger aircraft to operate into Shillong.
“This will be a game changer for tourism in Meghalaya,” he said.
The Chief Minister also highlighted several upcoming tourism infrastructure projects, including the Shillong Ropeway, Mawkdok Skywalk, Rain Museum in Mawsynram, Living Root Bridge Museum, and tourism centres in Sohra, Mandalgre and Siju.
Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira said Meghalaya recorded nearly 18 lakh tourist visits in 2025, underlining the rapid growth of the sector.
“Tourism is no longer simply about visitor arrivals—it has emerged as one of the strongest pillars of our state’s economy,” he said.
Shira said over 150 tourism projects involving investments worth thousands of crores are currently under implementation across the state, alongside increasing private sector participation. He also announced that Meghalaya is working towards developing Umiam into a global tourism destination through a newly established Destination Management Organisation.
The government also used the event to announce new beneficiaries under the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission, launched in September 2025 with a target of creating 3,000 homestays and generating over 15,000 jobs by 2028. So far, 80 homestay applications have been approved, with 55 beneficiaries sanctioned financial assistance amounting to ₹3.85 crore.
In addition, 58 new beneficiaries received support under the Community-Led Infrastructure Scheme aimed at developing tourism infrastructure in villages and emerging destinations, while the state announced upgrades of toilet facilities at 84 tourist locations, including Ward’s Lake, Laitlum Canyons, Krang Suri Falls and Wari Chora.
A beneficiary under the Chief Minister’s Homestay Scheme-PMEGP, Daminot Kharchandi, also shared his entrepreneurial journey, stating that the government’s initial financial assistance gave him the confidence to begin despite having no prior business experience.
He said what began as a small homestay with three cottages has now grown into Mukhan Resort, with expanded facilities and further plans for growth.
The programme also recognised artisans who participated in the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, honoured tourism entrepreneurs and students under various government schemes, and presented a bravery award to Teiborlang Pakma for rescuing a drowning person at Ward’s Lake.
