Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: The Meghalaya Tourism Department is rolling out a massive 2,100 crore infrastructure initiative to boost the state as a top destination for domestic and international travelers. In collaboration with the Indian Association of Tour Operators, the government hosted industry representatives in Shillong to showcase ongoing developments and future plans for major tourism circuits.
Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira detailed significant funding allocations, including 683 crore for the Umiam circuit, 673 crore for the Sohra circuit, 538 crore for the New Shillong circuit, and 244 crore for the Tura circuit. Beyond these projects, the government is providing financial aid to local stakeholders and offering grants for indigenous festivals. During the event, Shira emphasized the value of these collaborations, stating, “Tour operators have been among our strongest partners in promoting Meghalaya to travellers across India and beyond.”
To increase the length of visitor stays, officials are prioritizing experiential and community-based tourism. Tourism Commissioner Vijay Kumar D. announced a 70 per cent subsidy for rural homestays and confirmed plans to build ten five-star hotels over the next five years. The state also plans to develop niche sectors like structured cave exploration, village tourism, and fruit-wine experiences.
Industry delegates visited key landmarks including Umiam Lake, Mawphlang Sacred Grove, and the Laitlum Canyon to gain firsthand experience of the state's offerings. IATO President Ravi Gosain pledged that the association would work closely with the state government to integrate these products into national travel networks and elevate Meghalaya's profile in the tourism market.
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