Shillong: Meghalaya is aggressively expanding its luxury accommodation sector with the goal of establishing at least ten five-star hotels over the next five years. Tourism Commissioner and Secretary Vijay Kumar D. announced this target while addressing the Indian Association of Tour Operators in Shillong. The state currently features two operational high-end properties, with four more under construction and another four in the bidding phase.
Kumar noted that the Lemon Tree Orica hotel should open its doors next year. He stated, “If everything goes according to plan, we should have at least 10 five-star hotels in the next five years.” This infrastructure push is designed to attract high-spending travelers and extend the average tourist stay from 1.8 days to five days.
The state government is also betting on diverse tourism products, including wine, cave, village, and adventure tourism. Plans are underway to build a wine experiential center near Ward’s Lake and develop an accessible show cave to draw visitors. To support community-based tourism, the government is offering a 70 percent subsidy for local homestays.
Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira emphasized the role of tour operators in these efforts. Over the past three years, the administration has invested approximately Rs 3.62 crore into travel marts and promotional events. Additionally, officials are providing grants ranging from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 50 lakh to support local community festivals, further enhancing the state’s appeal as a premier travel destination.
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