Meghalaya on Thursday unveiled an ambitious tourism master plan that proposes New Shillong as the
state’s flagship destination, with a Rs 450-crore monolith tower complex at the centre of efforts to attract
high-value and international tourists.
The Department of Tourism hosted a State-Level Consultative Workshop on ‘Developing Global Standard
Tourist Destinations’ at State Guest House, Taraghar.
The workshop brought together officials, stakeholders and tourism operators to map the state’s shift
toward high-value, sustainable tourism.
Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira said the plan marks a “pivotal shift” for Meghalaya’s tourism
landscape.
He announced a dedicated Destination Management Organisation to oversee quality, inter-departmental
coordination and single-point accountability.
Stressing sustainability, he said, “Tourism must not come at the cost of our environment or our cultural
identity. Instead, it should strengthen both.”
The proposed New Shillong ecosystem will be anchored by the monolith tower with a skywalk, making it
India’s second tallest public monument after Gujarat’s Statue of Unity.
The complex will house immersive galleries, restaurants, cafeterias and souvenir shops.
Plans also include a public park, amusement park, Meghalayan theme park showcasing local culture and
sports, luxury resort and hotel, event ground, convention centre and an upcoming football stadium.
Commissioner & Secretary Rosetta Mary Kurbah said the goal is to move beyond the state’s current 18
lakh annual visitors by attracting international tourists and promoting experiential stays over day trips.