₹130 Crore Five-Star Project to Boost Tourism and Local Economy
Tura, February 11 : The Meghalaya Government on Tuesday formally handed over land for the proposed Holiday Inn Resort in Tura to the Inter Continental Hotels Group (IHG), marking a major milestone in the State’s efforts to develop high-end tourism infrastructure in the Garo Hills region.
The Land Handover Ceremony, organised by the Department of Tourism, was held at Hotel Polo Orchid, Tura, in the presence of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira, PHE and Housing Minister Marcuise N. Marak, senior government officials, and representatives of IHG.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sangma described the occasion as historic. “I am sure many of us could not have imagined that Tura itself would host a five-star hotel,” he said. He revealed that the government had debated between a four-star and five-star property before deciding to take the leap. “The gap between a four-star and a five-star hotel is significant in terms of investment, design and ecosystem. When the decision came to me, I had no doubt—it had to be a five-star hotel, come what may,” he stated.
The project involves an estimated investment of nearly ₹130 crore. Responding to criticism over prioritising premium hospitality, the Chief Minister said development must be holistic. “We need roads, hospitals, schools, drinking water—and yes, we need hotels,” he asserted.
Sangma connected the project to Meghalaya’s Mission 10 initiative aimed at building a $10 billion economy. “When we took over, our economy was below $4 billion. Today we are nearing $7 billion and will soon reach $10 billion,” he said.
He added that ₹8,000 crore in private investment is required to achieve the target, with the Holiday Inn project forming a key component. “A five-star hotel is not about luxury alone—it is an economic engine. It brings conferences, tourists and corporate events. When people stay and spend, the local economy benefits,” he said.
The Chief Minister also announced an innovative Homestay-cum-Games Village scheme for the National Games 2027, offering 70 percent subsidy to beneficiaries to create sports hostel-style homestays. “This will solve accommodation challenges in Tura and Jowai during the Games while creating long-term livelihoods,” he explained.
Sangma cautioned that the government would closely monitor project execution. “If deadlines are not met, I will be tough. Delays will not be entertained,” he said, adding that the agreement ensures priority employment for local residents.
Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira termed the handover a defining moment for Meghalaya tourism. “Today we formally hand over the land of the existing Hotel Polo site. The old structure will be dismantled and replaced with a five-star hotel built to international standards,” he said.
He emphasised that strong core infrastructure was essential for sustainable, community-driven tourism and that the project would complement the Chief Minister’s Homestay Scheme.
Gautam Tyagi, representative of IHG, thanked the government for the opportunity to establish the first branded hotel in Tura. He said the group aims to create direct and indirect employment, nurture local hospitality talent, and integrate Meghalaya’s culture into the hotel’s design and services.
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal, in his welcome address, said the project reflects the State’s vision to unlock Tura’s tourism and economic potential.
The programme also featured a short film on Meghalaya Tourism, cultural performances, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Brenda Lee Pakyntein, Director of Tourism.
