Tourism in Meghalaya is getting a fresh push as the state government rolls out new support measures focused on homestays, local infrastructure, hospitality education and community-based tourism.At a programme held in Umiam, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening livelihoods, improving tourist facilities and creating more opportunities for local youth across the state.
Umiam, May 6: The Meghalaya government on Wednesday rolled out a series of tourism-focused initiatives aimed at strengthening local livelihoods, improving visitor infrastructure and creating more employment opportunities for youth across the state.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma distributed sanction letters, scholarships and awards during a programme held at Umiam, describing local tourism stakeholders as the state’s “Tourism Champions.”The initiatives covered multiple sectors linked to Meghalaya’s tourism economy, including homestays, hospitality education, transport services and community-led infrastructure development.
Among the key announcements, the Chief Minister handed over sanction letters to new beneficiaries under the Chief Minister Meghalaya Homestay Mission, a scheme aimed at encouraging local entrepreneurs and families to develop tourism-friendly accommodation in different parts of the state.
The government also felicitated successful beneficiaries under the Chief Minister’s Homestay Scheme (PMEGP), recognising individuals who have already established functioning tourism enterprises through the programme.In another major step, sanction letters were distributed under the Community-led Infrastructure Scheme, which focuses on improving tourism-related infrastructure through local participation.
The government believes community involvement is essential in preserving Meghalaya’s cultural and natural identity while expanding tourism opportunities.A significant part of the programme also focused on improving sanitation facilities at tourist destinations. The Chief Minister handed over sanctions for the construction, modification and upgradation of toilets at 84 tourist sites across Meghalaya. Officials said improving basic infrastructure remains crucial as the state continues to attract increasing numbers of domestic and international visitors.The government additionally announced support for students pursuing hospitality and tourism-related education.
Certificates for full-course scholarships were distributed to students of the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) under the Chief Minister Hospitality Scheme. Along with the scholarships, the state also announced yearly stipend support for students enrolled in the institution.The tourism transport sector was also included in the latest round of support measures. Sanction letters were handed over to beneficiaries under the Prime Tourism Vehicle Scheme, which aims to improve transportation facilities for tourists while creating income opportunities for local vehicle owners and operators.
During the event, the Chief Minister also presented a bravery award to Teiborlang Pakma, a “Tourist Buddy,” for rescuing a drowning person at Ward’s Lake in Shillong. The recognition highlighted the role of trained tourism volunteers and frontline workers in ensuring visitor safety across the state.
Speaking at the programme, Sangma said Meghalaya’s tourism development strategy goes beyond isolated projects and is part of a broader effort to position the state on the global tourism map.He said initiatives such as concerts, cultural events, hotels, homestays and infrastructure projects are all connected to a larger vision of building the “Meghalaya brand” while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.
“As we work towards positioning Meghalaya on the global tourism map, every initiative plays a role in strengthening livelihoods and creating opportunities for our youth and our people,” the Chief Minister said.
He also called upon all tourism stakeholders to work together in promoting the state as a premier tourism destination.Tourism has emerged as one of Meghalaya’s fastest-growing sectors in recent years, with the government increasingly focusing on eco-tourism, community tourism and cultural tourism as key drivers of economic growth. Officials believe that strengthening grassroots tourism infrastructure and supporting local entrepreneurs will be critical in ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach rural communities as well.