Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday inaugurated 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 aims to provide safety, accessibility, and reliable information to travellers, reinforcing Meghalaya’s reputation as a tourist-friendly state,” Sangma said at the inauguration.

Alongside the helpline, a revamped Meghalaya Tourism website was launched, offering itineraries, booking options, travel tips, and updates on local festivals. Highlighting the sector’s economic significance, Sangma stated that 16 lakh domestic and 2.3 lakh international visitors visited the state in 2024, supporting nearly 50,000 jobs in the tourism industry. “The government aims to double these figures in the coming years,” he added.

Infrastructure and homestay expansion

On infrastructure, Sangma announced that 210 tourism projects worth Rs. 3,625 crore are currently under implementation. The Umroi Airport expansion, expected to be completed by early 2027, will allow larger aircraft to connect Shillong with more Indian cities.

To address accommodation shortages ahead of the 2027 National Games, the government is promoting homestays under the Meghalaya Homestay Mission, planning to build 3,000 new homestays (6,000 rooms) with a 70% subsidy.

Concert economy boosts tourism revenue

Sangma highlighted the growth of the concert economy, noting that while the state invested Rs. 23.5 crore in events in 2024-25, these generated Rs. 133.43 crore in revenue. “World-renowned artists want to perform in Shillong, helping brand Meghalaya globally,” he said.

The government has secured an additional Rs. 260 crore under PM-DevINE to develop Sohra and adjoining tourist circuits. The event also featured the flagging off of 10 vehicles under the PRIME Tourism Vehicle Scheme, recognition of community-led tourism projects, and 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 emphasized, underlining the importance of quality and safety alongside expansion.

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