Photo Courtesy: nenews
Shillong: Meghalaya is set to expand its tourism infrastructure by aiming for a network of 3,000 homestays within the next 18 months. Currently, the state has 900 operational homestays, and officials expect to sanction another 2,100 units soon to bolster local livelihoods and economic development.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma discussed the initiative during a visit to Smit, a village recognized for its cultural heritage. While meeting with residents and local entrepreneurs, the Chief Minister emphasized that homestays are vital to the state's tourism ecosystem because they ensure that financial benefits reach local families directly.
During his visit, Sangma inspected an existing homestay and spoke with business owners about their experiences and government support. Local residents raised concerns about infrastructure, including street lighting and waste management, which the Chief Minister pledged to address through relevant departments.
The government is also focusing on workforce development to support this growth. Under the Skills Meghalaya program, nearly 30,000 youth have received vocational training, with 2,000 specializing in tourism and hospitality. Officials have set an ambitious goal to train 1.2 lakh youth across various sectors as part of the broader effort to strengthen the state economy.
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