The Meghalaya government is developing a pioneering ‘Christmas Tourism Policy’ aimed at transforming the state’s indigenous festive celebrations into a well-structured global attraction. State Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira highlighted the initiative’s intent to leverage the substantial influx of tourists observed during the recent Christmas and New Year festivities. The Minister noted that a multitude of events organized throughout the state helped draw significant visitor numbers this past season.
Anticipating a further increase in tourism arrivals by 2026, Shira mentioned that numerous tourism projects nearing completion will likely contribute to this growth. The proposed policy is designed to enhance Meghalaya’s appeal as a premier festive destination, enabling visitors to immerse themselves in the state’s distinct Christmas customs. It will emphasize structured promotion and improved management of visitors during peak tourist seasons.
Furthermore, Shira pointed out that tourism is gradually expanding into Garo Hills, facilitated by infrastructure improvements. Destinations that were once challenging to access are now experiencing greater tourist activity. To bolster tourism in Garo Hills, the government is focusing on enhancing road connectivity and communication infrastructure, addressing past issues where poor road conditions had deterred potential visitors. Additionally, the government plans to adopt a more lenient approach toward granting loans for individuals interested in establishing homestays, thereby expanding accommodation options and further stimulating tourism in the area. The Minister expressed confidence that these initiatives will not only support sustained growth within the tourism sector but also ensure a more equitable distribution of economic benefits across the state.