Umiam, May 6: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday stressed that tourism in Meghalaya can thrive only through coordinated efforts of all stakeholders, while addressing the “Empowerment of Tourism Champions of Meghalaya” event at Orchid Lake, Umiam.
Organised by the state Tourism Department, the programme brought together entrepreneurs, artisans, students, community leaders, and beneficiaries, showcasing initiatives in community-based tourism, infrastructure, skill development, and livelihood generation.
Sangma said tourism cannot succeed through isolated efforts, adding that Meghalaya is steadily building a strong tourism ecosystem. He emphasised the need to make the state both visible and attractive to travellers, supported by quality infrastructure, connectivity, safety, and visitor experience. “Every tourist should leave with memories of a lifetime,” he said.
Highlighting ongoing projects, he listed the Shillong Ropeway, Mawkdok Skywalk, Rain Museum in Mawsynram, Living Root Bridge Museum, and tourism centres in Sohra, Mandalgre, and Siju. He also announced progress on the Shillong Airport expansion, with runway work awarded by the Government of India and expected completion in about 15 months, enabling larger aircraft operations.
Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira said tourism has become a key economic pillar, with nearly 18 lakh visitors recorded in 2025. Over 150 projects worth thousands of crores are underway, alongside increasing private sector participation. He added that Umiam is being developed as a global destination, supported by a newly established Destination Management Organization.
The event also recognised tourism contributors and beneficiaries, including the announcement of new recipients under the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission, which aims to create 3,000 homestays and 15,000 jobs by 2028. So far, 80 applications have been approved, with financial assistance of ₹3.85 crore sanctioned to 55 beneficiaries.
Additionally, 58 new projects under the Community-Led Infrastructure Scheme were approved with ₹3.40 crore in support. The government also announced upgrades to public amenities at 84 tourist sites. Under the State Scheme, 17 major destinations—including Living Root Bridges, Ward’s Lake, Laitlum Canyons, Mawphanlur, Umiam Lake Viewpoint, Krang Suri Falls, Wari Chora, and Siju—are being equipped with modern toilet facilities at an estimated cost of ₹3.44 crore.
Scholarships were also awarded to students of the Institute of Hotel Management Shillong under the state’s hospitality scheme, with 21 students receiving full course fee scholarships worth ₹3.67 lakh each and 37 students receiving annual stipends of ₹32,000, bringing total scholarship support to significant investment by the government.
A bravery award was presented to Teiborlang Pakma for rescuing a drowning person at Ward’s Lake.
The programme saw active participation from senior government officials, state legislators, and stakeholders, highlighting the importance of the state’s push for inclusive, tourism-led growth across urban and rural areas.
