Meghalaya Tourism Development Plan 2028: 3,000 Homestays, ₹115Cr Investment, and Umroi Airport Expansion

Quick Summary

• Homestay Mission: The Chief Minister’s Homestay Mission aims to establish 3,000 new homestays by 2028, generating over 15,000 jobs for local communities.
• Major Funding: Under the PMEGP Homestay Scheme, ₹115.68 crore has been sanctioned, with ₹102 crore already disbursed to 900+ local beneficiaries.
• Infrastructure Scheme: A ₹3.4 crore Community-Led Tourism Infrastructure Scheme has been introduced, providing grants of ₹5 lakh to ₹20 lakh for local projects.
• Airport Expansion: Umroi Airport will undergo significant runway expansion to improve regional and national flight connectivity.
• Iconic Projects: Key developments include the Shillong Ropeway, the Rain Museum in Mawsynram, and new tourism centers in Sohra.
• Educational Support: Scholarships and certifications are being awarded to IHM students under the CM Hospitality Scheme to bolster the local workforce.
• Global Vision: The development of Umiam is a cornerstone of the state’s strategy to become a key player in India's ‘Viksit Bharat’ tourism roadmap.

Meghalaya is embarking on a comprehensive and well-funded transformation of its tourism sector, with a strategic roadmap leading to 2028. Driven by the philosophy that a thriving tourism ecosystem requires the active participation of all stakeholders, the state government has launched a series of high-impact initiatives designed to empower local entrepreneurs and modernize essential infrastructure. Central to this plan is the Chief Minister’s Homestay Mission, which pairs massive financial sanctions from the PMEGP scheme—exceeding ₹115 crore—with grassroots community grants to create a decentralized hospitality network. Beyond rural accommodation, the state is investing in "iconic" infrastructure projects such as the Shillong Ropeway and the expansion of the Umroi Airport runway to facilitate larger aircraft and higher visitor volumes. With over 150 active tourism projects currently under implementation and a strong focus on capacity building through the IHM hospitality certifications, Meghalaya is positioning itself as a sustainable, community-led premier destination for both domestic and international travelers.

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Meghalaya Tourism Strategy 2028: Key Schemes, Investments, and Infrastructure

The following table summarizes the primary quantitative targets and development projects for the Meghalaya tourism sector through 2028.

Scheme / Project	Financial Commitment / Target	Primary Goal / Impact
CM’s Homestay Mission	3,000 Homestays	Creation of 15,000+ local jobs
PMEGP Homestay Funding	₹115.68 Crore (Sanctioned)	Support for 900+ rural entrepreneurs
Community Infra Scheme	₹3.4 Crore Total Fund	Grants of ₹5L to ₹20L for local projects
Umroi Airport	Runway Expansion	Improved regional & national connectivity
Shillong Ropeway	Iconic Infrastructure	World-class aerial transit & sightseeing
Active Projects	150+ Tourism Works	Statewide infrastructure modernization
Mawsynram Center	Rain Museum	Specialized eco-cultural tourism hub
Capacity Building	IHM Scholarships	CM Hospitality Scheme certifications

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The 2028 Vision: 3,000 Homestays and 15,000 New Jobs

Meghalaya’s strategy is built on the decentralization of the hospitality industry:

• Grassroots Empowerment: By shifting the focus from large hotel chains to local homestays, the state ensures that tourism revenue remains within the local community.
• Employment Generation: The mission is expected to create over 15,000 direct and indirect jobs, primarily for youth and women in rural areas.
• Standardization: The government is providing both financial support and training to ensure that these 3,000 homestays meet global quality and safety standards.

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Financial Injection: ₹115.68 Crore PMEGP Sanctions for Local Hosts

The Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is a critical pillar of this transformation:

• Rapid Disbursement: Of the ₹115.68 crore sanctioned, over ₹102 crore has already reached more than 900 beneficiaries across the state.
• Recognition of Excellence: To maintain service quality, the government has introduced cash prizes for the top-performing homestay hosts, incentivizing high ratings and visitor satisfaction.
• Entrepreneurial Growth: This funding allows local residents to convert ancestral homes or build new sustainable structures to host the growing number of tourists.

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Infrastructure Modernization: Umroi Airport Expansion and Shillong Ropeway

Connectivity is being addressed at both the macro and micro levels:

• Umroi Airport Expansion: The runway extension is a top priority, allowing for the operation of larger jet aircraft and direct flights from major Indian metros.
• The Shillong Ropeway: This project is set to become an iconic landmark, providing tourists with world-class views of the Shillong landscape and reducing road congestion.
• Umiam Development: Orchid Lake Resort and the surrounding Umiam area are being developed as a global-standard lakeside destination with improved water sports and leisure facilities.

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Community Empowerment: ₹3.4 Crore Infrastructure Scheme for Local Enterprises

The new Community-Led Tourism Infrastructure Scheme targets grassroots innovation:

• Flexible Grants: Local tourism enterprises can apply for grants ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹20 lakh to improve their facilities or start new ventures.
• Essential Amenities: A portion of the funding is specifically sanctioned for the construction and upgradation of public toilets and sanitation facilities at all major tourist sites.
• Sustainability: Projects that emphasize eco-friendly practices and local culture are being prioritized for funding under this scheme.

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Strategic Hubs: Transforming Umiam and Mawsynram into Global Landmarks

Meghalaya is developing specialized centers of interest to diversify its appeal:

• Mawsynram Rain Museum: A unique museum that celebrates the world’s wettest place, focusing on meteorological history and local Khasi culture.
• Sohra Tourism Centers: New visitor facilities are being established in Sohra (Cherrapunji) to handle the high volume of traffic to its iconic waterfalls and root bridges.
• Heritage Preservation: The 150+ ongoing projects include the restoration of historical sites and the development of new cultural parks.

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Human Capital: CM Hospitality Scheme and IHM Certifications

Ensuring a world-class visitor experience requires a trained workforce:

• Scholarships: Students at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) are receiving state-funded scholarships to complete their training.
• CM Hospitality Scheme: This certification program provides youth with the skills needed for careers in professional hospitality, ensuring that local homestays are managed effectively.
• Service Excellence: The focus is on creating a workforce that understands both modern hospitality standards and the traditional Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo values of hospitality.

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Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Ecosystem for Meghalaya’s Future

Ultimately, Meghalaya’s 2028 tourism roadmap is about more than just increasing visitor numbers; it is about building a sustainable and inclusive economic ecosystem. By combining massive infrastructure investments like the Umroi Airport expansion with grassroots initiatives like the Homestay Mission, the state is ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared by all. With ₹115 crore already flowing into the rural economy and iconic projects like the Shillong Ropeway on the horizon, Meghalaya is well on its way to becoming a premier destination that balances modern accessibility with its unique cultural and natural heritage.

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FAQ: Meghalaya Tourism & Homestay Mission 2028

What is the target of the Chief Minister’s Homestay Mission? The mission aims to establish 3,000 new homestays by 2028, which is expected to create over 15,000 jobs across the state.

How much funding is available for local tourism projects in Meghalaya? The Community-Led Tourism Infrastructure Scheme offers grants ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹20 lakh, while the PMEGP Homestay Scheme has already sanctioned over ₹115 crore for local entrepreneurs.

What are the major infrastructure projects currently underway? The key projects include the expansion of the Umroi Airport runway, the construction of the Shillong Ropeway, and the development of the Rain Museum in Mawsynram.

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Related Travel & State Guides

• Sohra Travel Guide: Exploring the Waterfalls and Living Root Bridges
• Eco-Tourism in Mawsynram: Visiting the Wettest Place on Earth
• Umiam Lake: A Guide to Water Sports and Lakeside Leisure

Disclaimer: Project details and funding figures are based on official reports from the Meghalaya Department of Tourism as of May 2026.