The announcement was made during an event where the state government officially transferred a parcel of land adjacent to the beautiful Umiam Lake to the Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) for the creation of a luxury resort. The proposed venture, which is estimated to cost ₹330 crore, will involve the Tata Group-owned hospitality leader constructing the Taj Umiam Resort & Spa, hailed by officials as the largest hospitality investment ever undertaken in the state.
Sangma mentioned that the new Taj property would become Shillong’s fourth five-star hotel, adding to the existing two luxury hotels, with numerous additional projects in preparation.
Reflecting on the long-term aspirations for the area, the chief minister noted that Umiam had been recognized as a tourism destination as early as 1988. “What was envisioned decades ago is now advancing to the next level,” he remarked, acknowledging the contributions of various stakeholders in propelling the initiative forward.
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Sangma indicated that the entry of the Taj brand is anticipated to generate new job opportunities, bolster local businesses, and further enhance Meghalaya’s reputation as a premium tourism destination. “This is only the start. With strategic investments, community engagement, and visionary planning, tourism will remain a crucial growth engine,” he stated.
The chief minister pointed out that Meghalaya welcomed nearly 16 lakh visitors in 2024. Presently, tourism represents 7.7 percent of the state’s gross state domestic product (GSDP), a figure expected to climb to 8.8 percent by 2032.
Elaborating on the magnitude of ongoing work, Sangma explained that the government is executing 254 tourism infrastructure projects, including 26 experiential initiatives. These encompass signature attractions like the Shillong Ropeway, the Mawkdok Skywalk, the Meghalayan Cave Experience Centre at Mawmluh, and the Rain & Bamboo Interpretation Centre at Mawsynram. Cumulatively, the investment across these initiatives amounts to ₹3,914.51 crore.
Highlighting Umiam’s accessibility, situated about 17 km from Shillong and 14 km from Umroi airport, Sangma disclosed that over ₹500 crore has been allocated specifically for its development. The area is being designed as a low-density, high-end tourism zone with a strong emphasis on ecological sustainability.
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In addition to larger projects, the state is actively promoting community-based tourism. Under the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission, the government provides subsidies of up to 70 percent for homestay owners. The previous phase supported 800 homestays and resulted in approximately 1,600 jobs, with plans in motion to establish 3,000 homestay units by 2028.
Sangma also noted the expanding concert and events economy in Meghalaya, reporting that 3.86 lakh visitors came to the state to participate in seven major events between 2024 and 2025. He revealed that a public investment of ₹23.5 crore generated economic activity worth ₹133.42 crore, creating roughly 5,500 jobs per day, benefiting youth, freelancers, women-led enterprises, and homestay operators.
Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira, General Administration Department and Community & Rural Development Minister Sosthenes Sohtun, and Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation chairman Marthon Sangma were among those present at the event.
(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)
First Published: Dec 20, 2025 10:19 AM IST
