Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated India’s first-ever tourism helpline (1800-599-2026) on Monday. The multi-lingual service operates daily from 8 am to 8 pm in seven languages, providing travellers with safety guidance, accessibility support, and reliable information.

“The helpline aims to provide safety, accessibility, and reliable information to travellers, reinforcing Meghalaya’s reputation as a tourist-friendly state,” Sangma said at the launch.

Alongside the helpline, a revamped Meghalaya Tourism website was unveiled, offering itineraries, booking options, travel tips, and updates on local festivals. Highlighting the sector’s economic significance, Sangma stated that 16 lakh domestic and 2.3 lakh international visitors travelled to the state in 2024, supporting nearly 50,000 jobs in tourism. “The government aims to double these figures in the coming years,” he added.

On infrastructure, Sangma announced that 210 tourism projects worth Rs. 3,625 crore are currently underway. The Umroi Airport expansion, expected by early 2027, will allow larger aircraft to connect Shillong with more Indian cities. To address accommodation shortages ahead of the 2027 National Games, the Meghalaya Homestay Mission plans to build 3,000 new homestays (6,000 rooms) with a 70% subsidy.

The government has secured an additional Rs. 260 crore under PM-DevINE to develop Sohra and adjoining tourist circuits. The event included the flagging off of 10 vehicles under the PRIME Tourism Vehicle Scheme, recognition of community-led tourism projects, and presentation of the Outlook Responsible Tourism Awards to individuals and organisations contributing to sustainable tourism.

“Tourism growth will be meaningless if visitors do not leave with safe, happy, and memorable experiences. Every stakeholder must ensure this,” Sangma emphasized, underlining the importance of quality and safety alongside expansion.

BI Bureau