Meghalaya Tourism Development and Investment Promotion is a state-sponsored scheme launched to boost local tourism by providing financial support to entrepreneurs for developing homestays and resorts. It helps business entities build quality tourism infrastructure, which eases the shortage of accommodation and creates local job opportunities across the state.
Meghalaya Tourism Development and Investment Promotion was introduced on 20th Jan 2012 by the Tourism Department to help build sustainable tourism infrastructure. The scheme encourages the development of homestays and eco-friendly resorts so tourists get reliable, safe and comfortable lodging through their journey. The official forms for this scheme are still available on the Meghalaya government portal as of August 2026.
Meghalaya Tourism Development and Investment Promotion - Introduction
By choosing to build properties beyond Shillong, a business plays a big role in spreading tourism benefits to remote areas, boosting the local economy through job creation and income growth. For example, if someone owns a private home, it can be turned into a homestay, or if there is land available, it can be developed into a cottage resort.
Key Information
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Meghalaya Tourism Development and Investment Promotion |
| Level | State |
| Focus | Infrastructure |
| Beneficiary State | Meghalaya |
| Category | Travel and Tourism |
| Target Beneficiary | Business Entity |
| Nodal Department | Tourism Department |
| Launch Date | 20th Jan 2012 |
Benefits
This scheme rewards business initiative with financial incentives to help a tourism business grow. The government encourages participation through the following structure:
| Metric | Homestays | Resorts |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Support | 30% of project cost | 30% of project cost |
| Max Project Cost Cap | ₹16.00 Lakhs | ₹1.00 Crore |
| Entrepreneur Contribution | 2% of project cost | 2% of project cost |
| Capacity | Up to 4 rooms | Minimum 10 rooms |
For a homestay, each room should cover at least 15 sq. m and include a bedroom plus an attached toilet with modern fittings. For resort cottages, the minimum plinth area should be 24 sq. m per unit, with extra centralized spaces like a reception, lobby and kitchen covering about 240 sq. m.
Eligibility
To qualify for financial support under this scheme, the following criteria should be met:
- Project cost should stay within ₹16.00 Lakhs for homestays or ₹1.00 Crore for resorts. If the cost goes above this, the support stays capped at the given percentage of these limits.
- The applicant should own the land for resort development or hold ownership of the built-up house for homestay projects.
- A homestay project should be finished within 12 months and a resort project within 18 months from the date of fund payment.
- The unit should be set up on or after the official notification date of this incentive scheme.
- The Minimum Wage policy set by the government should be followed for all workers involved.
Application Process
The application process for this scheme is given below. Each step should be followed carefully to file a valid application.
STEP 1 - Visit the official Meghalaya government portal and open the official forms page to download the application form (Format I) and the Affidavit (Format II) for this scheme.
STEP 2 - Prepare a detailed project report and gather all required supporting documents.
STEP 3 - Purchase the Application Form and Scheme Brochure for a non-refundable fee of ₹5000.
STEP 4 - Submit the completed application along with a Demand Draft for the fee, drawn in favour of the Director of Tourism, Meghalaya, Shillong.
Documents
The following documents should be kept ready before submitting the application. For full details, refer to the official scheme guidelines PDF.
- Completed application form
- Proof of identity and business existence
- Copy of land ownership records
- Affidavit as per the prescribed format in the scheme brochure
- Receipt or details of the application fee payment
- Last submitted income tax return copies, if applicable
- Detailed Project Report showing feasibility
- Letter from the bank or financial institution acknowledging the loan application
- Key map sketch of the project land showing boundaries, water sources and utilities
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) for establishing the facility in the selected area
References
For deeper insight into the guidelines and official updates, the Official Scheme Guidelines and the Meghalaya Government Forms page can be referred to.
FAQ's
In case of homestay, what is the percentage contribution of the entrepreneur from the project cost?
The entrepreneur should contribute 2% of the total project cost.
In case of resort, what is the percentage contribution of the entrepreneur from the project cost?
The contribution should be 2% of the project cost.
What is the project cost limit in case of homestays?
The project cost is capped at ₹16.00 Lakhs for benefit calculation purposes.
What is the project cost limit in case of resorts?
The project cost is capped at ₹1.00 Crore for benefit calculation purposes.
What is the eligibility requirement for the entrepreneur in case of homestays?
The applicant should hold legal ownership of the property containing the built-up house.
What is the eligibility requirement for the entrepreneur in case of resorts?
The applicant should hold legal ownership of the land where the resort will be built.
What is the duration to complete the project for a homestay?
The project should be completed within 12 months from the date of payment.
What is the duration to complete the project for a resort?
The project should be completed within 18 months from the date of payment.
What is the cost of the application form and scheme brochure?
The fee for the application form and brochure is ₹5000.
Is the application amount refundable?
No, the application fee is strictly non-refundable.