Shillong: Marking ‘World Tourism Day 2025’, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday launched India’s first-ever tourism helpline — 1800-599-2026 — a multi-lingual service available in seven languages and operational daily from 8 am to 8 pm.
The helpline, Sangma said, is designed to ensure safety, accessibility and reliable information for travellers, reinforcing Meghalaya’s position as a tourist-friendly state.
A revamped Meghalaya Tourism website was also launched, offering itineraries, booking options, travel tips and festival updates.
Tourism, Sangma stressed, has become a major pillar of the state’s economy.
Meghalaya recorded 16 lakh domestic and 2.3 lakh international visitors in 2024, with nearly 50,000 people employed in the sector.
The government now aims to double that figure.
On infrastructure, the chief minister revealed that 210 tourism projects worth Rs. 3,625 crore are under implementation.
He also announced that the Umroi Airport expansion would be completed by early 2027, enabling larger aircraft to connect Shillong with more Indian cities.
The chief minister further highlighted the state’s push for homestays under the Meghalaya Homestay Mission, which will build 3,000 new homestays (adding 6,000 rooms) with a 70% subsidy, addressing the accommodation shortfall ahead of the 2027 National Games.
Sangma also spoke about the concert economy, noting that while the state invested Rs. 23.5 crore in events in 2024-25, they generated Rs. 133.43 crore in revenue.
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“World-renowned artists want to perform in Shillong, and this has helped brand Meghalaya globally,” he said.
The government has also secured an additional Rs. 260 crore under PM-DevINE for developing Sohra and adjoining tourist circuits.
The event also saw 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.
