Meghalaya CM launches Homestay Mission to empower local entrepreneurs

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Monday unveiled the Chief Minister’s Homestay Mission to empower local entrepreneurs in developing quality homestays that meet the growing demands of our vibrant tourism sector.
Speaking at the closing of the World Tourism Day celebrations in Shillong, Sangma said the initiative is a step towards enhancing hospitality infrastructure across the state while supporting local livelihoods.
“For the upcoming National Games in 2027, we have decided to not create a dedicated Games Village as practiced in other host states but we will come up with a unique model of standardized homestays,” the Chief Minister announced.
He said these homestays will not only serve the Games but will also become a lasting asset for our tourism sector, continuing to welcome travellers long after the event concludes.
The Homestay Mission is being launched with the aim to build 3,000 homestays, adding 6,000 rooms which will meet the projected shortfall by 2028. The Mission will also support existing homestays through asset upgrades.
Stating that a lot of changes have taken place in the tourism sector over the last few years since the NPP-led government has taken tourism as a major sector, Sangma said, “Meghalaya continues to witness a remarkable rise in tourism. In 2023, the state welcomed over 14 Lakh domestic tourists, which grew to 16 Lakh in 2024, a clear indicator of Meghalaya’s growing appeal. We also recorded a significant increase in international visitors, reaching 2.3 lakh in 2024.”
“This upward trend reflects the success of various tourism initiatives driven by the government in close collaboration with local communities,” the Chief Minister said, adding that about 50,000 people are directly or indirectly employed and the target of the government is to create another 50,000 jobs.
The Chief Minister also informed that currently there are about 210 tourism infrastructure projects valued at approximately Rs 3625 crore are being implemented throughout the state.
“We have been able to brand ourselves as the destination where the world-renowned artists themselves want to perform in Shillong and this is something that adds to our economy,” he added.
The Chief Minister also launched the Meghalaya Tourism Helpline Number 1800-599-2026 the first of its kind in India. The helpline is available in seven languages offering safety, convenience and reliable information operating daily from 8 am to 8 pm.
This initiative will strengthen the image of Meghalaya as a safe, inclusive and tourist-friendly destination. The revamped Meghalaya Tourism website was also launched replacing the old platform. The user-friendly website includes suggested itineraries, travel tips, booking hotels, homestays, transport, festival calendars, purchase suggestions etc.