Shillong, December 19 : Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday attended the ceremonial handover of land for the proposed Taj Umiam Resort & Spa on the banks of Umiam Lake, marking what the government described as a major milestone in the State’s tourism roadmap. The event was attended by Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira, GAD & C&RD Minister Sosthenes Sohtun, MTDC Chairman Marthon Sangma, and senior government officials.
The upcoming luxury property, planned as a five-star resort, will be developed with an investment of ₹330 crore and is expected to become the largest hospitality project in Meghalaya. With the land handover completed, the government said the project will also strengthen Shillong’s presence in the premium hotel segment, noting that the region will soon have its fourth five-star property, with two already operational and more planned.
Speaking at the programme, the Chief Minister recalled the vision of former Chief Minister Late P.A. Sangma, stating that as early as 1988, Umiam had been conceptualised as a premier tourism destination—an effort that laid the groundwork for much of the infrastructure seen today. “What was envisioned decades ago is now being taken to the next level,” the Chief Minister said, while thanking the Tourism Department, MTDC and stakeholders for efforts to translate the vision into reality.
The State government said the arrival of the Taj brand at Umiam is expected to generate significant employment, support local businesses, and reinforce Meghalaya’s positioning as a premium, world-class tourism destination. “This is just the beginning,” Sangma said, adding that strategic investments and community participation would keep tourism as a key growth engine.
Highlighting sector growth, the Chief Minister said Meghalaya welcomed nearly 16 lakh visitors in 2024, and the State is projected to cross 20 lakh tourists by 2028. He said with more than 300 scenic locations, strong cultural assets and natural beauty, Meghalaya is steadily building its tourism brand nationally and globally.
Tourism, he said, now contributes 7.7% to the State’s GSDP, with a target to raise it to 8.8% by 2032, adding that tourism has been officially recognised as an industry since 2018, easing investment and partnerships.
The Chief Minister said the government is implementing 254 tourism infrastructure projects worth ₹3,914.51 crore, spanning destination development, accommodation and experiential tourism. He also cited 26 iconic and experiential projects valued at over ₹1,400 crore, including the Shillong Ropeway, Mawkdok Skywalk, Meghalayan Cave Experience Centre at Mawmluh, and the Rain & Bamboo Interpretation Centre at Mawsynram.
Calling Umiam a strategic gateway, Sangma said it is often the first destination for visitors entering Meghalaya and is located about 17 km from Shillong and 14 km from Umroi Airport. He added that more than ₹500 crore has been earmarked for Umiam’s development, including the Taj resort, luxury cottages under PPP, redevelopment of Umiam Lake under the SASCI project, a convention centre, and expanded water sports and adventure tourism facilities. The destination, he said, is being planned as a high-end, low-density tourism hub aligned with ecological priorities.
Emphasising inclusive growth, the Chief Minister said tourism development is not limited to five-star projects, pointing to aggressive policies to promote homestays and community-led tourism. Under the CM–Meghalaya Homestay Mission, the government provides up to 70% subsidy for homestay development. The earlier phase supported 800 homestays, creating 1,600 jobs, while the current mission targets 3,000 homestays by 2028.
The Chief Minister also highlighted Meghalaya’s “concert economy”, stating that between 2024 and 2025, 3.86 lakh attendees attended seven major concerts. A public investment of ₹23.5 crore generated ₹133.42 crore in economic activity, creating around 5,500 jobs per day, benefiting youth, freelancers, homestay owners and women-led enterprises.
On connectivity, he said improved access remains a priority through better roads, airport expansion and last-mile connectivity.
