Meghalaya is strengthening its tourism ecosystem through a major expansion of its homestay network, aiming to increase accommodation capacity while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. Building on the success of its Homestay Scheme launched in 2023, the state now plans to establish 3,000 new homestays and generate 15,000 jobs by 2028.

The initiative places local families at the heart of Meghalaya’s tourism development strategy and supports preparations for the National Games scheduled to be hosted in the state in 2027. With tourism emerging as a key contributor to economic growth, the government is promoting community-led tourism as a long-term model for inclusive development.

Tourist arrivals in Meghalaya have witnessed steady growth over the years, rising from around 1.2 million visitors in 2018 to more than 1.6 million today. The state’s growing popularity has also received national attention, with Shillong being recognised as India’s most-searched travel destination in Skyscanner’s 2025 report. Meghalaya has further set an ambitious target of attracting 2.1 million visitors annually by 2028.

The state’s tourism appeal received another boost when NITI Aayog, in its report Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India, identified Meghalaya as one of the country’s few year-round tourism destinations. The report highlighted attractions such as living root bridges, extensive cave systems, and rich indigenous cultural heritage that continue to draw visitors throughout the year.

To address the growing demand for accommodation and ensure tourism benefits reach local communities, the Government of Meghalaya introduced the Meghalaya Tourism Homestay Scheme in convergence with the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). Under the scheme, eligible projects can receive financial assistance covering up to 70 per cent of project costs, with support available for projects valued up to INR 1 million.

The programme has already delivered encouraging results. Around 900 applications have been sanctioned, and more than 490 homestays are currently operational across the state. These homestays have collectively added nearly 1,000 rooms and created approximately 1,500 livelihood opportunities.

Building on this success, the government launched the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission in 2025. The mission aims to add 3,000 more homestays by 2028 while generating 15,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. New homestay owners can avail subsidies of up to INR 700,000, while existing operators are eligible for financial support of up to INR 200,000 for upgrading their properties.

The initiative has already transformed the lives of several beneficiaries. Entrepreneurs such as Daminot Kharshandi from Ri Bhoi district and Donny Esmond Rapsang from Umroi have successfully established and expanded tourism ventures through the scheme, creating jobs within their communities and generating stable income for their families.

As Meghalaya continues to strengthen its tourism infrastructure, the homestay model is emerging as a powerful tool for promoting sustainable tourism, empowering local communities, and ensuring that the benefits of the sector are shared widely across the state.