Shillong, September 29, 2025: Tourism has emerged as a major growth driver for Meghalaya, contributing ₹133.43 crore in revenue and creating employment for nearly 50,000 people. The figures were highlighted at the state-level celebration of World Tourism Day 2025, held at Courtyard by Marriott, Shillong, with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma as the Chief Guest. Tourism Commissioner & Secretary Dr. Vijay Kumar and Director of Tourism B. Pakynteiñ, MCS, were also present.
The Chief Minister emphasized the role of tourism in Meghalaya’s economic transformation and urged citizens to actively partner with the government to promote the state as a safe and hospitable destination. In 2024, Meghalaya welcomed 2.3 lakh international and domestic tourists, alongside 16 lakh local visitors.
Tourism has already created 50,000 jobs, with a target to generate another 50,000 in the next few years. To achieve this, the government has sanctioned 210 tourism projects worth ₹3,625 crore, including plans to double homestay capacity from 3,000 to 6,000 rooms by 2028 under a 70% subsidy scheme.
On the infrastructure front, the Ministry of DoNER has sanctioned ₹260 crore under the PM-DevINE programme to develop Sohra (Cherrapunjee) and its surroundings, while expansion work is underway at Umroi Airport to accommodate larger aircraft by 2027.
The government is also investing in cultural industries, with ₹23.5 crore allocated in FY 2024–25 to support local musicians, performers, and festivals. These initiatives, according to the Chief Minister, directly contributed to the tourism sector’s revenue milestone.
At the event, Sangma launched the Meghalaya Tourism Helpline (1800-599-2026) — India’s first multilingual tourism helpline, available in seven languages from 8 AM to 8 PM daily. He also unveiled the revamped Meghalaya Tourism Website and flagged off 10 vehicles under the PRIME Tourism Vehicle Scheme.
The programme concluded with the presentation of the Meghalaya Tourism Awards 2025, with the Living Bridge Foundation among the recipients.
