Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has announced an ambitious plan to expand the state’s homestay network to 3,000 units within the next 12 to 18 months, aimed at boosting tourism and generating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Addressing residents and entrepreneurs during an interaction programme in Smit village, Sangma said Meghalaya currently has around 900 operational homestays, while proposals for another 2,100 homestays are expected to receive approval in the coming months.
The Chief Minister stressed that homestays have emerged as a vital component of Meghalaya’s tourism strategy, enabling local families to directly benefit from the growing influx of visitors. He noted that the model not only supports rural incomes but also allows tourists to experience the state’s rich culture, traditions and hospitality.
During the visit, Sangma held discussions with homestay operators, tourists and local residents, seeking feedback on tourism development and community concerns. Residents raised issues related to waste management, street lighting and littering in the area. The Chief Minister assured them that the concerns would be forwarded to the relevant departments for prompt action.
Highlighting the government’s focus on entrepreneurship and employment generation, Sangma referred to several flagship initiatives, including Skills Meghalaya, PRIME and CM Elevate, which are designed to support tourism-linked enterprises and encourage self-employment among youth.
He further stated that the 39th National Games, scheduled to be hosted by Meghalaya in 2027, are expected to provide a major boost to the tourism and hospitality sectors, creating new business and employment opportunities across the state.
The visit was conducted under the CM Connect initiative, a government outreach programme intended to strengthen direct interaction between citizens and policymakers while ensuring that local issues receive timely attention.
