Preserving Shillong’s colonial-era heritage buildings, which exude the timeless charm of the “Scotland of the East,” has become a key focus for the Meghalaya Tourism Department. Efforts are underway to map and restore such historical sites, ensuring their legacy is preserved for future generations.
Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Efforts are already on to try to map all such heritage sites. You might be aware that we have entered into negotiations with UNESCO to declare our living root bridges as world-class heritage properties. That effort will be intensified in the coming year.”
Meghalaya’s growing appeal as a tourist destination is evident, with nearly 30 lakh visitors arriving in the state this year. Speaking about this milestone, Lyngdoh remarked, “We are still collecting figures from two major events—Cherry Blossom and the Bryan Adams concert—but it should not be less than 30 lakh for this year.”
Tourism in Meghalaya has seen remarkable growth, with the state emerging as a sought-after destination for both domestic and international travelers. Lyngdoh expressed optimism about sustaining this momentum, adding, “Tourism has seen an unprecedented spurt of growth, and we want to ensure that the current popularity Meghalaya has attained is further solidified in the years ahead. The footfalls have been truly impressive, and before the end of this year, we have already inked an agreement for another five-star hotel in the heart of the city with Lemon Tree. It shows that we have reached the next level.”
With plans to conserve its heritage while advancing infrastructure, Meghalaya is poised to balance its historical identity with modern development, cementing its status as a premier tourist destination.