The Meghalaya government is drafting a first-of-its-kind ‘Christmas Tourism Policy’ to transform the state’s indigenous festivities into a structured global product. State Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira said a dedicated policy was being considered to capitalize on the heavy tourist footfall as witnessed especially during the Christmas and New Year season this year. Shira claimed that a series of events organized across different parts of the state during the bygone festive season helped draw visitors in large numbers.
“Now, we expect the tourist arrivals to increase further in 2026, especially with several tourism destinations and projects nearing completion,” the Minister said. He said the proposed policy is aimed at strengthening Meghalaya’s position as a preferred festive destination, allowing visitors to experience the state’s unique Christmas celebrations. “The policy will focus on structured promotion and better visitor management during the peak festive season,” Shira said. He further said tourist movement was also gradually extending to Garo Hills, supported by improvement in infrastructure, while adding that destinations in the region which were difficult to access are now seeing increased tourist footfall. On measures to promote tourism in Garo Hills, Shira said the government is prioritizing improvement of road connectivity and communication infrastructure.
“Poor road conditions in the past had discouraged tourists from travelling to many locations in the region. But with improved road infrastructure, tourists will now be able to access several destinations in Garo Hills more easily,” the Minister said. “The government also plans to be more liberal in providing loans to individuals seeking to set up homestays, which will further expand accommodation options and boost tourism in the region,” he said. The minister said these initiatives are expected to ensure sustained growth of the tourism sector while spreading economic benefits more evenly across the state.
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