This announcement was made during a program where the state government officially transferred a parcel of land near the scenic Umiam Lake to the Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) to facilitate the development of a luxury resort. This project, estimated at ₹330 crore, will enable the Tata Group-owned hospitality giant to construct the Taj Umiam Resort & Spa, which officials describe as the largest hospitality investment ever in the state.
Sangma mentioned that the upcoming Taj establishment would become Shillong’s fourth five-star hotel, supplementing two existing luxury hotels, with additional projects on the horizon.
Reflecting on the long-term vision for the area, the Chief Minister noted that Umiam has been earmarked as a tourism destination since 1988. “What was envisioned decades ago is now coming to fruition,” he stated, recognizing the contributions of various stakeholders in advancing this initiative.
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According to Sangma, the introduction of the Taj brand is anticipated to generate new job opportunities, bolster local businesses, and enhance Meghalaya’s reputation as a premium tourism destination. “This is merely the starting point. With strategic investments, community engagement, and forward-thinking planning, tourism will continue to serve as a vital growth driver,” he affirmed.
The Chief Minister remarked that Meghalaya welcomed nearly 16 lakh visitors in 2024. Presently, tourism contributes 7.7 percent to the state’s gross state domestic product (GSDP), a figure expected to climb to 8.8 percent by 2032.
Detailing the scope of the ongoing initiatives, Sangma stated that his government is executing 254 tourism infrastructure projects, including 26 experiential ones. High-profile attractions include the Shillong Ropeway, the Mawkdok Skywalk, the Meghalayan Cave Experience Centre at Mawmluh, and the Rain & Bamboo Interpretation Centre at Mawsynram. The cumulative investment for these projects amounts to ₹3,914.51 crore.
Emphasizing Umiam’s accessibility, situated approximately 17 km from Shillong and 14 km from Umroi airport, Sangma shared that over ₹500 crore has been allocated specifically for its development. The region is envisioned as a low-density, high-end tourism area, with a strong emphasis on ecological sustainability.
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In addition to large-scale projects, the state is encouraging community-based tourism. Through the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission, the government provides subsidies of up to 70 percent for homestay operators. The previous phase supported 800 homestays and resulted in approximately 1,600 job creations, while plans are underway for 3,000 homestay units by 2028.
Sangma also highlighted the burgeoning concert and events economy in Meghalaya, noting that 3.86 lakh visitors attended seven major events between 2024 and 2025. He indicated that public investments of ₹23.5 crore generated economic activity worth ₹133.42 crore, creating roughly 5,500 jobs daily, benefiting youth, freelancers, women-led businesses, 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 the dignitaries present at the event.
(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)
First Published: Dec 20, 2025 10:19 AM IST
