Meghalaya CM Pushes United Front for World-Class Tourism Growth

Meghalaya’s Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma rallied stakeholders on Wednesday to build a formidable tourism ecosystem through joint endeavors. At the ‘Empowerment of Tourism Champions of Meghalaya’ gathering by Umiam Orchid Lake, he underscored the necessity of collective involvement to propel the hill state onto the world tourism map.

‘Tourism doesn’t grow in silos; it needs every stakeholder’s active role,’ Sangma stated, praising the initial successes in overcoming obstacles to establish a resilient framework.

The tourism department-curated event drew entrepreneurs, skilled artisans, eager students, community influencers, and program recipients, creating a vibrant forum for dialogue.

Sangma painted a picture of Meghalaya as an irresistible pick for vacationing families worldwide, prioritizing sustainable development over superficial hype. Key pillars include advanced infrastructure, reliable connectivity, stringent safety, and immersive experiences.

The state is aggressively funding transformative projects such as the Shillong Ropeway, Mawkhdoch Skywalk, Mawsynram Rain Museum, Living Root Bridge Museum, and tourism facilities across Sohra, Mandalagre, and Siju.

Highlighting a pivotal update, he shared that Shillong Airport’s runway upgrade has central approval, aiming for finish in 15 months to handle larger flights—a true catalyst for tourism surge.

Minister Timothy D. Shira celebrated tourism’s role as an economic powerhouse, reporting 18 lakh visitors in 2025 and progress on over 150 investment-heavy initiatives. Awards, scheme approvals, scholarships, and honors marked the event’s close, reinforcing commitment to excellence.