As Tourism Surges, Meghalaya Plans 3,000 New Homestays by 2028

There are summer getaways, and then there are winter wonderlands—places you visit depending on the kind of weather you’re looking for. But did you know there’s a destination in Northeast India that has quietly emerged as an all-season favourite among travellers for its pleasant weather, stunning natural beauty, and rich indigenous traditions? We’re talking about Meghalaya, a state that has witnessed remarkable tourism growth over the past few years. And they’re now tapping into this growth by planning more homestays in the next few years.

Tourism Boom In Meghalaya

According to The Economic Times, Meghalaya is gearing up to significantly strengthen its tourism infrastructure as visitor numbers continue to climb. The state has witnessed a steady rise in tourist arrivals, with footfall increasing from nearly 1.2 million in 2018 to over 1.6 million so far this year, reflecting the growing interest in travel to Northeast India.

To capitalise on this momentum, the state has set an ambitious target of attracting 2.1 million visitors annually by 2028. The push comes at a time when Shillong was recently named India’s most-searched travel destination in Skyscanner’s 2025 report. Adding to this recognition, the April 2026 NITI Aayog report, Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India, highlighted Meghalaya as one of the country’s few true year-round tourism destinations.

Recognising gaps in its tourism infrastructure, particularly the shortage of accommodation, the Meghalaya government launched the Meghalaya Tourism Homestay Scheme in September 2023 in convergence with the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP).

Under the scheme, financial assistance of up to 70% is being provided for projects worth up to ₹10 lakh. So far, around 900 applications have been sanctioned, with more than 490 homestays already operational across the state. The initiative has also generated nearly 1,500 livelihood opportunities, giving a significant boost to local employment while strengthening Meghalaya’s tourism ecosystem.

Also Read: Rajkummar Rao Spotted At A Cosy Shillong Cafe & Its Specialty Coffee Is Worth A Trip To Meghalaya

State To Add 3,000 Homestays By 2028

Building on this momentum, Meghalaya launched the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission in September 2025 to further expand its tourism infrastructure. Under the initiative, the state aims to develop 3,000 additional homestays by 2028, a move expected to generate nearly 15,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

As per The Economic Times, , the scheme offers subsidies of up to ₹7 lakh for new homestays, while existing operators can avail up to ₹2 lakh for property upgrades and improvements. The initiative is also closely tied to Meghalaya’s preparations for the 39th National Games in 2027, with the state planning to accommodate all participants through community-based lodging instead of conventional Games Villages.

Also Read: Anand Mahindra Discovers THIS Village In Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills That Has Its Head In The Clouds

So, are you planning to visit Meghalaya soon? Let us know in the comments.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ePhotocorp & Canva Pro/Mumemories (representative image)