Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday attended the land handover ceremony for the proposed Taj Umiam Resort & Spa at Umiam Lake in Ri Bhoi district, marking a major milestone in the state’s tourism expansion plans.
Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira, GAD and C&RD Minister Sosthenes Sohtun, MTDC chairman Marthon Sangma and senior government officials were present at the event.
The five-star luxury resort, to be developed with an investment of Rs. 330 crore, is expected to be the largest hospitality project in Meghalaya.
Addressing the gathering, Sangma recalled the vision of former chief minister P.A. Sangma, who had conceptualised Umiam as a premier tourism destination as early as 1988.
He said the foundation laid decades ago is now being taken forward through large-scale investments and structured planning.
The chief minister thanked the tourism department, MTDC and all stakeholders for their role in translating long-term vision into action.
With the land handover, Shillong is set to get its fourth five-star hospitality property, with two already operational and more in the pipeline.
Officials said the entry of the Taj brand at Umiam is expected to generate employment, boost local businesses and strengthen Meghalaya’s positioning as a premium tourism destination.
Calling the development a defining moment in the state’s tourism journey, Sangma said Meghalaya received nearly 16 lakh visitors in 2024 and is projected to cross 20 lakh tourists by 2028.
He added that tourism has recorded consistent growth since 2018 and is now officially recognised as an industry, easing investment and partnerships.
Tourism currently contributes 7.7 per cent to the state’s GSDP, with a target of raising it to 8.8 per cent by 2032.
The chief minister said the state is implementing 254 tourism infrastructure projects worth Rs. 3,914.51 crore, covering destination development, accommodation and experiential tourism.
These include 26 iconic projects valued at over Rs. 1,400 crore such as the Shillong Ropeway, Mawkdok Skywalk, Meghalayan Cave Experience Centre at Mawmluh and the Rain and Bamboo Interpretation Centre at Mawsynram.
Highlighting Umiam’s strategic importance, Sangma said it serves as the gateway to Meghalaya for most visitors, located just 17 km from Shillong and 14 km from Umroi airport.
More than Rs. 500 crore has been earmarked for the area’s development, including the Taj Umiam Resort & Spa, luxury cottages under public-private partnership, redevelopment of Umiam Lake under the SASCI project, a convention centre, and expanded water sports and adventure tourism facilities.
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The destination is being developed as a high-end, low-density tourism hub aligned with ecological priorities.
Emphasising inclusive growth, the chief minister said tourism development in Meghalaya extends beyond luxury hotels, with a strong focus on community-led initiatives.
Under the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission, the government provides up to 70 per cent subsidy for homestay development.
The earlier phase supported 800 homestays and generated 1,600 jobs, while the current mission aims to develop 3,000 homestays by 2028.
He also highlighted the impact of the state’s concert economy, which attracted 3.86 lakh attendees across seven major concerts between 2024 and 2025.
A public investment of Rs. 23.5 crore generated economic activity worth Rs. 133.42 crore, creating around 5,500 jobs per day and benefiting youth, freelancers, homestay owners and women-led enterprises.
Sangma said improving connectivity remains a priority, with continued focus on road upgrades, airport expansion and last-mile access to support tourism growth across the state.
