Guwahati, Sep 27: In a significant trend in tourism in Meghalaya and other parts of North East, the region has witnessed better growth of footfall of international tourists than domestic visitors, according to a report.
The North East continues to punch above its weight in attracting international visitors, even as its share in India’s domestic tourism pie remains marginal, says the report “India Tourism Data Compendium 2025”.
Meghalaya stood out as one of the top gainers in foreign tourist arrivals, registering 15.4% growth in 2024 while the state registered slightly lower 13.4% growth in domestic tourists during the year.
As a whole, the North Eastern states drew 12.78 million domestic tourists, representing just 0.43% of India’s total 3,009 million domestic tourist visits. By contrast, the region welcomed 244,000 foreign tourists, accounting for 1.17% of national foreign tourist visits — nearly three times higher in relative terms.
Known for its living root bridges, waterfalls, and vibrant Khasi culture, Meghalaya has been steadily positioning itself as a premium eco-and culture-based destination.
Officials note that international travelers are increasingly drawn to Meghalaya’s unique blend of natural beauty and community-led tourism initiatives.
The revelation on better growth of footfall of international tourists is certainly a good news for Meghalaya, especially after the Sohra incident which had tarnished the image of the state.
Officials said the tourist footfall in Sohra is increasing despite the recent attempt to attack the image of Meghalaya following the murder of a tourist from Indore. The tourist footfall is expected to touch 20 lakh.
The ‘Travel Trends Report 2025’ released by global travel app Skyscanner has revealed that Shillong is the only Indian city to feature in the list of ten places from around the world.
The report is based on destinations seeing an increase in flight searches between 1 January 2024 and 30 June 2024 for travel throughout 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Shillong has seen an increase of 828% flight searches.
Skyscanner claims to be a global leader in travel, with more than 100 million people across the world using its app and website every month.
“Known as the ‘Scotland of the East’, Shillong, India enchants visitors with its stunning landscapes, including lush hills, waterfalls, and pristine lakes. This hill station has become a social media sensation, attracting nature lovers and adventure seekers. The government’s push for sustainable and eco-tourism adds to its appeal, making Shillong a top choice for conscious travellers,” the report said.
Meghalaya Government has approved the installation of 100 public convenience facilities across the state, with a focus on enhancing areas of tourist interest.
This initiative comes in response to the long-standing issue of inadequate infrastructure and basic amenities in the state’s tourism sector, a challenge that has hindered Meghalaya’s potential for exponential growth in tourist numbers.
