Tura, Feb 11: In a big boost to hospitality infrastructure, the State Government on Wednesday formally handed over land for the proposed ₹130-crore Holiday Inn Resort in Tura, to be developed by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG).

The land handover ceremony, organised by the Department of Tourism at Hotel Polo Orchid, was attended by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira, PHE and Housing Minister Marcuise N. Marak, senior officials, and representatives of IHG.

Calling the occasion “historic and deeply personal,” the Chief Minister said the decision to establish a five-star hotel in Tura reflects the State’s long-term economic vision.

“I am sure many of us could not have imagined that Tura itself would host a five-star hotel,” Sangma said, noting that the government consciously opted for a five-star property over a four-star alternative. “Though it may appear to be just a one-star difference, the gap between a four-star and a five-star hotel is significant.”

The project, with an estimated investment of nearly ₹130 crore, is positioned as part of Meghalaya’s broader growth strategy under Mission 10, launched in 2019 to transform the State into a $10 billion economy. Sangma said the State’s economy has grown from under $4 billion in 2018–19 to nearly $7 billion, with a target of reaching $10 billion in the near future.

He also highlighted a sharp rise in state expenditure—from ₹6,811 crore in 2014 to ₹23,475 crore in 2025—and capital investment growth from ₹1,259 crore to ₹6,395 crore during the same period. According to him, borrowings remain within prescribed limits, supported by higher state revenues and increased central tax devolution.

“A five-star hotel is not just about luxury—it is an economic engine,” Sangma said. “It brings conferences, tourists, official meetings and corporate gatherings. People come, people stay, people spend—and the local economy benefits.”

The Chief Minister stressed that infrastructure development must be holistic. “We need roads. We need hospitals. We need schools. We need drinking water. And yes—we need hotels,” he said, responding to critics questioning the need for premium hospitality .

Sangma also announced an innovative “Homestay-cum-Games Village” model for the National Games 2027. Under the scheme, beneficiaries will receive 70% subsidy support to establish homestays designed as sports hostels that meet Games guidelines. After the event, the facilities will remain with beneficiaries for commercial use.

The initiative, he said, will address accommodation shortages in Tura and Jowai during the Games while creating entrepreneurship and livelihood opportunities.

“Meghalaya should be able to cater to all kinds of tourists,” he said, underlining the need for a diversified hospitality ecosystem that includes five-star hotels for high-end visitors and homestays for those seeking cultural immersion.

The Chief Minister outlined a series of parallel infrastructure initiatives, including runway expansion in Shillong, revival of Tura Airport with ₹50 crore state funding and expected UDAN operations, heliport development, an upcoming IT Park, a medical college, an Additional Secretariat, and urban beautification projects.

“All this is ecosystem development,” he said, articulating a long-term vision of transforming Meghalaya into a $150 billion economy by 2047.

He also issued a firm message to IHG, stating that the project timeline would be closely monitored. “If deadlines are not met, I will be tough. Delays will not be entertained,” he said, adding that the agreement includes strong employment provisions to ensure local benefit.

Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira described the land handover as a “defining milestone” for Garo Hills. He said the existing structures at the Hotel Polo site will be dismantled and replaced with a five-star hotel built to international standards.
“Our objective is clear: build strong core infrastructure first so that tourism growth remains sustainable, environmentally responsible, and community-driven,” he said.

Shira added that rising tourist arrivals have exposed the gap in premium accommodation in the region, and the project will complement community-based initiatives such as the Chief Minister’s Homestay Scheme.

Representing IHG, Gautam Tyagi termed the project a milestone for Tura’s hospitality sector and reaffirmed the group’s commitment to generating direct and indirect employment while integrating Meghalaya’s cultural identity into the hotel’s design and service philosophy.

West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal, in his welcome address, said the project reflects the State Government’s intent to unlock the tourism and economic potential of Tura and the wider Garo Hills region.

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