In Meghalaya, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced yesterday an innovative scheme offering 70% subsidy support for homestays in preparation for the 2027 National Games. The announcement was made during the handover ceremony for the proposed five-star Holiday Inn Resort at Hotel Polo Orchid in Tura, organized by the Department of Tourism.
Under the scheme, beneficiaries will receive 70% subsidy to establish homestays designed as sports hostels, which they will own and operate after the Games. "This innovative approach will not only address accommodation challenges but also create entrepreneurship and livelihoods for our people," he said, emphasizing that Meghalaya must cater to all categories of tourists through a mix of high-end hotels and community-based homestays.
Sangma further outlined major connectivity and infrastructure initiatives, including runway expansion in Shillong, the INR 50-crore state-funded repair and revival of Tura Airport with expected UDAN operations, heliport development, an upcoming IT park, a medical college, an additional secretariat, and urban beautification projects.
The Chief Minister also described the proposed INR 130 crore Holiday Inn Resort project as a major step forward for the Garo Hills region. He said the investment aligns with the State Government's broader vision of transforming Meghalaya into a $10 billion economy through the strategic development of tourism and allied sectors. He articulated a long-term vision of transforming Meghalaya into a $150 billion economy by 2047.
Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira and other dignitaries were present at the programme. The upcoming five-star resort is expected to enhance high-end hospitality infrastructure in the region and further position Meghalaya as a key tourism destination in the Northeast.