With Over 16 Lakh Visitors, Meghalaya Registers Record-Breaking Tourist Footfall in 2024

The rise in tourist numbers reflects the success of Meghalaya’s sustained efforts to promote eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural heritage.

Meghalaya has achieved a major milestone in 2024 by recording over 16 lakh tourist arrivals, the highest ever in the state’s history. This remarkable achievement marks a new chapter in Meghalaya’s tourism journey, as the state continues to gain national and international attention for its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and peaceful charm.

Tourism department confirmed that the footfall includes both domestic and international travellers who visited Meghalaya’s iconic destinations from the sacred groves of Mawphlang to the living root bridges of Nongriat, from the stunning waterfalls of Cherrapunji to the historical monoliths of Nartiang.

The rise in tourist numbers reflects the success of Meghalaya’s sustained efforts to promote eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural heritage. The state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, has actively invested in creating a tourist-friendly environment while preserving the ecological balance and local traditions.

To further boost the tourism experience, the Government of India has sanctioned Rs 50 crore under the Swadesh Darshan Challenge Scheme for the construction of two world-class Tourist Information Centres. One will be located in Mawphlang, known for its sacred forest and indigenous rituals, and the other near the monoliths of Nartiang, a spiritually significant site that is home to the revered Durga Shakti Peeth.

Director of Tourism Cyril V. Darlong Diengdoh said that each centre, budgeted at Rs 25 crore, will offer much more than basic travel guidance. The centres will include restaurants, cultural galleries, and visitor-friendly amenities designed to enrich the overall experience. With Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) already submitted and sanctioned before the end of the financial year, the projects are now entering the tendering and development stages.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma continues to promote Meghalaya’s natural beauty by example. Recently, he undertook a 2.5-hour trek along the Rhododendron Riot Trail in Upper Shillong, showcasing the state’s breathtaking landscapes and encouraging eco-conscious travel.

As Meghalaya continues to attract record-breaking tourist numbers, the government remains committed to sustainable development. New infrastructure is being created to support the tourism boom while ensuring that the region’s biodiversity, local communities, and cultural integrity are preserved.

With its warm people, lush greenery, sacred sites, and stories waiting to be told, Meghalaya is no longer just a hidden gem it is now one of India’s brightest stars in the world of travel.

Because in Meghalaya, every journey begins with wonder and ends in unforgettable memories.

Also Read: Regional Council Demand Committee Formed to Push for Rights of Indigenous Minority Tribals in Meghalaya

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