In a continued push towards strengthening the State’s tourism sector and recognise grassroots contributors, the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya today hosted a grand event to celebrate the empowerment of ‘Tourism Champions’ at the Orchid Lake Resort, Umiam.
A key highlight of the event was the expansive rollout of Government support for the local tourism ecosystem. Under the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission, which targets the creation of 3,000 new homestays and over 15,000 jobs by 2028, sanction letters were distributed to the initial cohort out of approved applications.
Furthermore, the Community-Led Tourism Infrastructure Scheme has announced up to 3.40 crore in funding for 58 new beneficiaries, providing tiered grants ranging from 25 lakh to 20 lakh based on site footfall, building upon the 10 lakh grants already awarded to 20 existing projects.
The event also felicitated the success of the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) Homestay Scheme, which has sanctioned ₹115.68 crore and disbursed 102 crore for over 900 beneficiaries to date, by awarding a 20,000 cash prize to each of the State’s top ten performing hosts.
In his keynote address, Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya said, Meghalaya is now firmly on the tourism map of the country and the global scenario.
He noted that every stakeholder has played a positive part in the transformation seen today. He added that the State is clear that tourism is not just about a single event, or one cultural program; it can only thrive when a complete ecosystem is in place.
Further he noted, the runway expansion work at the Umroi Airport will be complete in next 15 months strengthening connectivity. He emphasized that it is important for the State to be present and visible to bring an experience of a lifetime to visitors. While massive change has taken place over the last eight years, the sector’s expansion will prioritize job creation, livelihoods, and individual growth through local entrepreneurs and homestays.
He reaffirmed that over the next two to three years, the tourism sector will witness a massive transformation with the implementation of several iconic projects, including the Shillong Ropeway, the Rain Museum in Mawsynram, and new tourism centres across locations like Sohra. Reaffirming the government’s core philosophy, he stated, “We are here to work for you, and this government always ensures that we keep the people first”
Timothy D. Shira, Minister of Tourism, said, that tourism in Meghalaya has transformed into a powerful driver of economic growth and a strong pillar of the State’s growth ecosystem.