Meghalaya's Tourist Boom: 18.55 Lakh Visits in 2025, 1,000 New Homestays and Growing Pressure on Popular Spots

Meghalaya recorded 18.55 lakh tourist visits in 2025, and 11.15 lakh in the first six months of 2026, the state government said on World Tourism Day. Tourism now supports more than 75,000 livelihoods, up from about 50,000 in 2022, Highland Post reports.

What the state is building

• Homestays: 877 sanctioned so far with more than Rs 120 crore disbursed. The plan is 1,000 new or upgraded homestays in 2026–27, towards 3,000 in all.
• Four hubs: Umiam, Sohra, Dawki–Shnongpdeng and Nokrek are to be developed as major destinations.
• Projects: the Shillong Peak ropeway, the Mawkdok skywalk, a Living Root Bridge Museum, the Umngot riverfront at Dawki, and a Rs 233.75 crore Sohra circuit under PM-DevINE.

The pressure on popular spots

Growth is straining the places people visit most. The Shillong Times points to crowding, waste, traffic and thin basic facilities at peak times, and to the state's own policy calling for carrying-capacity studies and better waste management.

What it means for travellers

• Expect busy roads and queues at Sohra, Dawki and Umiam on weekends and holidays. Go early in the day or mid-week.
• More homestays mean more choice in villages, often with home-cooked meals and local hosts.
• Some villages already close viewpoints on Sundays. Check local rules before you go.
• Carry your litter back with you. Many spots have few bins.

See Breeziah's homestays in Meghalaya and travel mistakes to avoid in Meghalaya.