The Meghalaya government is drafting a first-of-its-kind Christmas Tourism Policy aimed at capitalising on the sharp rise in tourist arrivals during the year-end festive season and positioning the state as a global destination for Christmas celebrations, with particular emphasis on the long-neglected Garo Hills region.
Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira said that the state is considering a dedicated policy framework to systematically harness the heavy tourist footfall witnessed during Christmas and New Year this year. He noted that last year’s festive season proved especially successful due to a series of well-curated events organised across various parts of Meghalaya, which significantly boosted visitor numbers.
The minister said the government expects tourist inflow to increase further in 2026, as several tourism projects and new destinations across the state are nearing completion. According to him, the proposed policy aims to strengthen Meghalaya’s identity as a premier Christmas destination through focused promotion and improved management of tourists during peak holiday periods.
Focus on Garo Hills and homestay expansion
Shira said tourist interest is gradually expanding beyond traditional hotspots to the Garo Hills, aided by notable improvements in road connectivity and infrastructure. Destinations in the region, once considered difficult to access, are now attracting a growing number of visitors, he added.
To support this trend, the government plans to adopt a more liberal approach in providing loans to individuals interested in setting up homestays. The move is expected to increase accommodation capacity, create livelihood opportunities for local residents, and further strengthen the tourism ecosystem in the Garo Hills and other emerging destinations across the state.
