Meghalaya Homestays Drive Community-Based Tourism Growth

Meghalaya Tourism Expands Opportunities for Local Families

Meghalaya is increasingly placing local communities at the centre of its tourism development strategy, using homestays to expand accommodation capacity and create income opportunities for residents across the state.

Growing visitor numbers have strengthened Meghalaya’s position in India’s tourism landscape. According to recent travel industry data, Shillong has emerged as one of the country’s most searched destinations, while tourist arrivals have risen from around 1.2 million in 2018 to more than 1.6 million in recent years.

As tourism demand increased, the state faced a shortage of accommodation in several destinations. Rather than relying solely on large-scale hotel developments, the Government of Meghalaya introduced programmes designed to help local families participate directly in the tourism economy.

In September 2023, the Meghalaya Tourism Homestay Scheme was launched in partnership with the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). The initiative offers financial assistance of up to 70 per cent for eligible projects, making it easier for rural households and first-time entrepreneurs to establish homestays.

The programme has already supported hundreds of homestay operators across the state, resulting in the creation of new rooms and tourism-related employment opportunities.

Building on this progress, the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission was launched in 2025 with the goal of developing 3,000 homestays and generating thousands of direct and indirect jobs by 2028. The mission also provides incentives for existing homestays to upgrade their facilities and enhance the visitor experience.

The initiative has helped individuals such as Daminot Kharshandi from Ri Bhoi district, who expanded his business through support received under the scheme. Similar success stories are emerging across Meghalaya as more residents participate in tourism-related entrepreneurship.

Another beneficiary, Donny Esmond Rapsang, established Friendship Homestay in Umden Umsaitprah, Umroi, after receiving financial assistance through the programme. The homestay now contributes to household income while creating opportunities for local workers involved in its development and operations.

The state’s approach focuses on creating an interconnected tourism ecosystem in which homestay operators, transport providers, guides, food vendors, and other local businesses benefit from visitor spending.

This strategy is expected to play a role in preparations for the 39th National Games in 2027, with Meghalaya planning to accommodate many visitors through homestays, bringing local families into the centre of the event experience.

As tourism continues to grow, Meghalaya’s homestay model highlights how community participation can contribute to both tourism development and local economic opportunities, ensuring that the benefits of visitor growth are shared across the state.

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