Meghalaya Launches Homestay Scheme to Support Tourism for National Games 2027

Meghalaya is preparing to host the 39th National Games in February or March 2027. To ensure smooth operations and boost tourism, the state government has announced a new scheme that offers significant financial support for establishing homestays. The scheme provides a 70% subsidy for creating homestays designed as sports hostels. These homestays will help address accommodation challenges during the games, making it easier for visitors and participants to stay comfortably. This initiative is part of a bigger plan to develop the state’s infrastructure. Among the improvements are the expansion of the runway in Shillong and efforts to repair and revive Tura Airport. These projects are expected to make travel to and within Meghalaya easier and safer for visitors. The scheme aims to not only improve infrastructure but also encourage local residents to become entrepreneurs. After the National Games, the homestays will be owned and operated by the local beneficiaries. The government hopes that the scheme will create employment and support small business growth. The government plans to create a total of 3,000 new homestays by the year 2028. These homestays are expected to add around 6,000 rooms and generate more than 6,000 direct jobs every year. Women and young entrepreneurs are especially targeted to benefit from this plan. Since the scheme started in 2023, nearly 800 homestays have been approved with an investment close to 100 crore rupees. As of February 2026, the state has sanctioned 622 homestay projects over the past two years, with approximately 2,000 rooms currently under construction. This shows a strong commitment to strengthening Meghalaya’s tourism infrastructure. To make the scheme more accessible, the government increased its subsidy from 35% to 45%, helping about 2,000 new entrepreneurs to start homestays in 2025-26. The subsidy for rural areas is even higher, with a 70% support rate. This means that 35% of the costs are covered by the state government, and the remaining 35% can be obtained through the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Program. The government has allocated about 5 crore rupees for the Meghalaya Homestay Scheme for the year 2024-25. This financial support aims to promote sustainable tourism and empower local communities. However, as of February 2026, there is no official information on the exact number of homestays that will be established by 2028, the total investment amount for the scheme, or the specific number of jobs and entrepreneurs benefiting from the increased subsidies. The government’s efforts are focused on creating a vibrant tourism sector that offers opportunities for local people. The homestay program is a key part of this plan, helping to develop better accommodation, create jobs, and promote local entrepreneurs, especially women and youth. These developments show Meghalaya’s commitment to making its tourism industry more resilient and inclusive, with the upcoming National Games serving as a catalyst for long-term infrastructure and economic growth in the state.