The Meghalaya government has formally handed over 66 acres of land at Umiam for the development of the Taj Umiam Resort & Spa, marking a major milestone in the state’s tourism expansion. The INR 300-crore five-star project, to be developed by Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) of the Tata Group, is expected to be the largest hospitality project in Meghalaya and among the most significant in the North-East.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma described the development as a “defining moment” for Meghalaya’s tourism sector, stating that the upcoming Taj property would be a “game changer” and one of the country’s most iconic resort destinations. He подчеркed that tourism would continue to serve as a key growth engine through strategic investments, community participation, and long-term planning.
Meghalaya recorded nearly 16 lakh tourists in 2024, with projections crossing 20 lakh visitors by 2028. Since 2018, tourism has seen sustained growth and has now been formally recognised as an industry, easing investment and partnership opportunities. The sector currently contributes 7.7% to the state’s GSDP, with a target of 8.8% by 2032.
The state government is implementing 254 tourism infrastructure projects worth INR 3,914.51 crore, covering destination development, accommodation, and experiential tourism. Of these, 26 iconic projects valued at over INR 1,400 croreinclude the Shillong Ropeway, Mawkdok Skywalk, Meghalayan Cave Experience Centre, and the Rain & Bamboo Interpretation Centre at Mawsynram.
Located 17 km from Shillong and 14 km from Umroi Airport, Umiam has been earmarked for investments exceeding INR 500 crore and is being developed as a high-end, low-density tourism hub, aligned with ecological priorities.
The Chief Minister also highlighted community-led initiatives such as the CM–Meghalaya Homestay Mission, which offers up to 70% subsidy for homestay development. The earlier phase supported 800 homestays and generated 1,600 jobs, with plans underway to expand to 3,000 units by 2028.
Additionally, Meghalaya’s emerging concert economy attracted 3.86 lakh attendees between 2024 and 2025. A public investment of INR 23.5 crore generated INR 133.42 crore in economic activity and created approximately 5,500 jobs per day, benefiting youth, freelancers, homestay operators, and women-led enterprises.
Improving connectivity remains a priority, with ongoing efforts focused on road development, airport expansion, and strengthening last-mile access across the state.
