Taj Umiam Resort: Rs. 300 Cr Boost to Meghalaya Tourism

The Meghalaya government has formally handed over 66 acres of land at Umiam for the development of the Taj Umiam Resort & Spa, marking a major milestone in the state’s tourism expansion.

The Rs. 300-crore five-star project, to be developed by Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) of the Tata Group, is expected to become the largest hospitality project in Meghalaya and among the most significant in the North-East India tourism landscape. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma described the development as a “defining moment” and a “game changer” for Meghalaya, underlining tourism as a key growth engine.

Key Highlights

• Rs. 300-crore Taj Umiam Resort to be Meghalaya’s largest hospitality project
• Tourism targets 20 lakh visitors by 2028, contributing 8.8 percent to GSDP by 2032
• Community homestays and concert economy driving jobs and local growth

Meghalaya recorded nearly 16 lakh tourists in 2024, with projections crossing 20 lakh visitors by 2028. Tourism currently contributes 7.7 percent to the state’s GSDP, with a target of 8.8 percent by 2032, and has been formally recognised as an industry since 2018, easing investment and partnerships.

The state is implementing 254 tourism infrastructure projects worth Rs. 3,914.51 crore, including 26 iconic projects valued at over Rs. 1,400 crore, such as the Shillong Ropeway, Mawkdok Skywalk, Meghalayan Cave Experience Centre, and the Rain & Bamboo Interpretation Centre at Mawsynram.

Located 17 km from Shillong and 14 km from Umroi Airport, Umiam is being developed as a high-end, low-density tourism hub, with planned investments exceeding Rs. 500 crore, aligned with ecological priorities.

Community-led initiatives like the CM-Meghalaya Homestay Mission offer up to 70 percent subsidy, supporting 800 homestays and 1,600 jobs so far, with plans to scale to 3,000 units by 2028.

Also Read: IHCL Launches Ginger Hotel in Shillong, Expanding Meghalaya Footprint

Meghalaya’s emerging concert economy attracted 3.86 lakh attendees (2024–25), generating Rs. 133.42 crore in economic activity from a Rs. 23.5 crore public investment, while creating about 5,500 jobs per day. Connectivity upgrades in roads, airports, and last-mile access remain a priority.