Shillong, Dec. 5: The Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, held a ceremony on December 4, 2024, to lay the foundation for the redevelopment of the Orchid Hotel into the luxurious Aurika Hotel Shillong. This is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project, with an investment of ₹124 crores from Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd. The new hotel will feature 130 rooms, banquet halls, and other amenities to attract national and international visitors and boost MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism.
Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K Sangma, emphasized that the project will bring significant financial benefits to the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) and contribute to the state’s tourism growth. The upfront payment of ₹5 crores and an annual lease of ₹2.5 crores will further strengthen MTDC’s financial position. Sangma stressed that the tourism sector’s expansion will benefit the wider community, impacting various sectors of livelihood and society.
Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Shri Paul Lyngdoh, highlighted that Meghalaya is emerging as a top tourist destination and that the tourism sector employs around 50,000 people, with the potential for a 60% growth in the coming years. He also proposed retaining the “Orchid Hotel” name to preserve the connection to Meghalaya’s official flower, the lady slipper orchid.
Shri Sanbor Shullai, South Shillong MLA and MTDC Chairman expressed gratitude for the government’s efforts in advancing the tourism sector. At the same time, Dr. Vijay Kumar D., IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, noted that the Aurika Hotel Shillong project is one of the largest PPP projects in the state’s tourism sector.
Prashant Mehrotra, Chief Operating Officer of Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd, shared his excitement about the project, emphasizing Meghalaya’s potential for both business and leisure tourism. He expressed confidence that the hotel will contribute to Shillong’s success with the government’s support.
The redevelopment project, covering 1.15 acres, is expected to take three years to complete and is seen as a major step in enhancing Meghalaya’s hospitality infrastructure.
