Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday inaugurated India’s first-ever tourism helpline (1800-599-2026), a multi-lingual service available in seven languages, operational daily from 8 am to 8 pm.
“The helpline aims to provide safety, accessibility and reliable information to travellers, reinforcing Meghalaya’s reputation as a tourist-friendly state,” said Sangma at the inauguration event.
A revamped Meghalaya Tourism website was also launched, offering itineraries, booking options, travel tips and updates on local festivals. Highlighting the economic significance of tourism, Sangma said that the sector now serves as a major pillar of the state’s economy, with 16 lakh domestic and 2.3 lakh international visitors recorded in 2024 and nearly 50,000 people employed in the industry. “The government aims to double these figures in the coming years,” he announced.
On infrastructure, Sangma announced that 210 tourism projects worth ₹3,625 crore are currently under implementation.
“The Umroi Airport expansion is expected to be completed by early 2027, enabling larger aircraft to connect Shillong with more Indian cities. Addressing accommodation shortfalls ahead of the 2027 National Games, the government is promoting homestays under the Meghalaya Homestay Mission, which plans to build 3,000 new homestays (6,000 rooms) with a 70 per cent subsidy,” said an official of the state tourism department.
Sangma also emphasised the growth of the concert economy, noting that while the state invested ₹23.5 crore in events during 2024-25, they generated ₹133.43 crore in revenue. “World-renowned artists want to perform in Shillong, and this has helped brand Meghalaya globally,” he said.
Additional funding of ₹260 crore under PM-DevINE has been secured for developing Sohra and adjoining tourist circuits. The event also featured the flagging off of 10 vehicles under the PRIME Tourism Vehicle Scheme, recognition of community-led tourism projects, and the presentation of the Outlook Responsible Tourism Awards to individuals and organisations contributing to sustainable tourism.
“Tourism growth will be meaningless if visitors do not leave with safe, happy, and memorable experiences. Every stakeholder must ensure this,” Sangma said, stressing the importance of quality and safety alongside expansion.
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