Meghalaya To Welcome 124 Crore Luxury 5-Star Aurika Hotel Through PPP Model

Shillong: Meghalaya's tourism sector is likely to see a significant boost with a landmark public-private partnership (PPP) project announced by the government today. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has laid the foundation stone for the re-development of the existing Orchid Hotel into a 5-star luxurious Aurika Hotel in Shillong. According to reports, Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd will invest Rs 124 crores in the hotel project.

"This is a luxury five-star hotel with facilities that will attract clientele from all over the country and the world, and we will be able to promote large mice tourism," Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said, highlighting the project's potential in tourism. 

Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) will benefit substantially as Lemon Tree Hotels will pay an upfront amount of Rs 5 crores and Rs 2.5 crores as an annual lease rental. 

The luxury hotel in Shillong is set to hae 130 rooms and amenities, attracting clients from across the country and worldwide. This investment will benefit not only the tourism sector but all stakeholders involved, as tourism affects different forms of livelihoods. 

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Moreover, Tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh highlighted the state's growth potential in tourism. "We are emerging as the most favoured tourist destination by Indian tourists by 2025," he said, adding that the tourism industry currently employs around 50,000 people directly and indirectly, with potential for a 60% increase in the next three to four years.

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Lemon Tree Hotels Limited, which runs around 109 hotels at present, is committed to growing its presence in the vibrant region of Meghalaya and providing travelers with a blend of seamless hospitality and authentic local charm of service.

The ceremony witnessed the attendance of dignitaries including Shri Conrad K Sangma, Hon'ble Chief Minister, Shri Paul Lyngdoh, Hon'ble Tourism Minister, Shri Sanbor Shullai, Hon'ble MLA, South Shillong, and Chairman, Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation Ltd (MTDC).