SHILLONG, FEB 10: Meghalaya Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira on Monday said an international hotel chain will develop a five-star hotel at the former Polo Orchid property in Tura, as part of the state government’s efforts to strengthen the tourism sector.

Shira said a formal ceremony will be held on Tuesday to mark the handover of land for the project, which will be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model at an estimated cost of Rs 40 crore.

“The government is trying to do more development to promote tourism across the entire state of Meghalaya,” the minister said.

The five-star hotel project will be developed on approximately one to two acres of land and is expected to significantly enhance tourism infrastructure in Tura and the surrounding areas.

Shira also highlighted improvements in connectivity, noting that the proposed Baljek Airport will reduce travel distance between the airport and Tura to around 30 kilometres, improving accessibility for tourists. At present, Guwahati serves as the nearest airport to the region.

In addition to the Tura project, the tourism minister said several other initiatives are in the pipeline, including a Rs 23 crore tourist lodge in Siju, a Rs 23 crore convention centre in Resubelpara, and a Rs 23 crore tourism development project in Mondalgre.

Emphasising the role of community participation in tourism development, Shira referred to initiatives in the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, where local residents have taken an active role in maintaining cleanliness and managing tourist areas.

“Community members are now taking interest in managing these sites,” he said, adding that steps are being taken to curb open defecation and littering through improved sanitation facilities, including the construction of toilets.