Meghalaya is strengthening its position as one of India’s fastest-growing tourism destinations by placing community-based tourism at the heart of its development strategy. With tourist arrivals rising from nearly 12 lakh in 2018 to over 16 lakh currently, the state has set an ambitious target of attracting 21 lakh visitors by 2028, while ensuring that tourism-driven economic benefits reach local communities directly.
The state’s growing popularity has been reflected in recent travel trends, with Shillong emerging as India’s most-searched travel destination in Skyscanner’s 2025 report. Meghalaya’s tourism credentials received a further boost through NITI Aayog’s April 2026 report, “Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India,” which identified the state as one of the few destinations in the country without a clear off-season. The report highlighted attractions such as living root bridges, extensive cave systems, and indigenous cultural traditions that continue to attract visitors year-round.
To address increasing demand for accommodation, the Government of Meghalaya has focused on expanding its homestay network rather than relying solely on large hotel developments. Under the Meghalaya Tourism Homestay Scheme, launched in 2023 in convergence with the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), financial assistance of up to 70 percent is available for projects costing up to ₹10 lakh. The initiative has already sanctioned 900 applications, resulting in more than 490 operational homestays, nearly 1,000 rooms, and around 1,500 livelihood opportunities across the state.
Building on this momentum, the state launched the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission in September 2025. The mission aims to establish 3,000 additional homestays and generate 15,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2028, further strengthening rural livelihoods and tourism infrastructure. So far, applications have been approved across all ten districts of the state.
The community-driven model is also expected to play a significant role during the 39th National Games in 2027, with Meghalaya planning to accommodate visitors through homestays rather than conventional Games Villages. By empowering local families, entrepreneurs, transport providers, guides, and small businesses, Meghalaya is creating a sustainable tourism ecosystem that combines economic growth with cultural preservation and authentic visitor experiences.
