Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: Meghalaya is aggressively expanding its homestay network to accommodate a surge in visitors and distribute tourism revenue directly to local households. With tourist arrivals climbing from 1.2 million in 2018 to over 1.6 million, the state aims to attract 2.1 million visitors annually by 2028. This growth has made Shillong a top travel destination and established the state as a year-round attraction known for living root bridges and unique cave systems.
To address lodging shortages in popular areas, the government is prioritizing community-based tourism over large hotel developments. The Meghalaya Tourism Homestay Scheme, introduced in 2023, provides financial aid of up to 70 percent for projects costing up to 10 lakh rupees. This initiative has already operationalized over 490 homestays, adding 1,000 rooms and creating 1,500 jobs.
Building on this momentum, the government launched the Chief Minister's Meghalaya Homestay Mission in September 2025. This mission seeks to establish 3,000 additional homestays and generate 15,000 jobs by 2028. Local residents, such as Daminot Kharshandi and Donny Esmond Rapsang, report that the financial support provided a vital entry point into the tourism market and helped create employment for local youth.
The state intends to utilize this expanding homestay infrastructure to host visitors during the 39th National Games in 2027. By opting for community-based lodging instead of traditional Games Villages, officials hope to ensure that the economic benefits of hosting the event reach rural communities across the state.
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