Vivanta Shillong to usher in luxury tourism

After Vivanta Meghalaya, Shillong, there is another five star hotel coming up in the "Scotland of the East"

This Christmas, people of Meghalaya will get Marriott Courtyard.

"I don't want to divulge much details on this. But yes, before Christmas, it's coming " Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said at the inauguration of Meghalaya’s first ever five-star hotel, the Vivanta Meghalaya, Shillong.

Chief Minister called the inauguration of Vivanta Shillong a " truly momentous occasion" in the history of Meghalaya.

"It is not just completion of a hotel, but hope that Meghalaya can do it" Sangma said.

"There is a desire to be at the top and a change in mindset has to be there at the top" he said.

Sangma said that the Vivanta Meghalaya, Shillong would herald an era of luxury tourism in the State and will go a long way in fulfilling the aspirations of the residents of the State.

"The hotel which has come after long years of struggle is just one piece. We want to create a proper ecosystem" he said.

He highlighted that the work for the hotel had been going on since 1986 and could be completed only after a strong push was given by the current government.

He congratulated and thanked all the stakeholders for completing the project despite the COVID-induced disruptions.

With a built-up area of about 8,800 sq. m., the hotel has 101 rooms and other facilities including a speciality restaurant, coffee shops, bar, retail shops, and a banquet hall.

"Its a moment of celebration of joy, fulfillment and pride for Meghalaya" Sangma said.

"There is a severe shortage of high end rooms in Meghalaya. With so many festivals and events coming in Meghalaya, where will the guests be staying and that is why need good hotels to come up" he said.

The GST revenues from the hotel would be around Rs 500 crores from the hotel.

Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “This hotel is in line with IHCL’s commitment to the North-eastern part of India. As pioneers of putting new destinations on the global tourism map, IHCL is proud to step into Shillong, known for its natural beauty as well as its distinctive culture, with the handover of the hotel to IHCL today. With the addition of Vivanta Meghalaya, Shillong, which will open to guests soon, IHCL strengthens its presence in the region and further elevates its tourism potential.”

With the addition of this hotel, IHCL has nine hotels in NE including four under development.

With a combination of 101 rooms and suites, Vivanta Shillong has easy access to a multitude of dining and shopping options.

Inspired by the rolling hills and pine forests, the design of the hotel pays ode to Meghalaya known as the ‘abode of clouds’.

The architect of the hotel is from Malaysia. The hotel has been designed by SM Group.

The hotel’s young and vibrant vibe is further raised by Mynt, the all-day diner, which offers a mix of global and local favourites, and Wink bar, whose classic design makes it perfect for an evening of cocktails and conversations. A meeting room and banqueting space make this hotel the ideal location for meetings and social gatherings.

“ Vivanta Meghalaya, Shillong is perfect for both, leisure and business travelers, the hotel will offer guests a window into the kaleidoscopic beauty of this region. We look forward to welcoming guests to Shillong’s new address,” said Praveen Sharda, General Manager, Vivanta Meghalaya, Shillong.

The Chief Minister talked of his vision of transforming Meghalaya into the top 10 states within the next 10 years and said that tourism is at the core of realizing this vision.

He said that the Government is developing tourism on a hub and spoke model wherein Sohra, Jowai, Shillong, Umiam and Tura will act as hubs and nearby rural tourist destinations will be developed as spokes.

In line with this strategy, the Government has taken a number of initiatives to augment the accommodation infrastructure in the State. These include the construction of large resorts and tourism infrastructure in Sakaladuma in West Garo Hills, Shnongpdeng in West Jaintia Hills, Sohra in East Khasi Hills, Mawlyndep and Nongmahir in Ribhoi, Nongkhnum in West Khasi Hills, Thadlaskien in West Jaintia Hills and Pelgawari in South West Garo Hills. Tourism infrastructure and amenities at a cost of Rs. 5 -10 crores each, will also be set up in several villages.

He spoke of the ‘Homestay Scheme’ wherein 2,500 accommodation units will be built over the next five years in convergence with the PMEGP.

A subsidy of 35% is being given on loans of up to Rs. 10 lakh by the State government which is over and above tspoke 5% subsidy being given by the Government of India under PMEGP. The residents stand to earn a monthly revenue of up to Rs. 50,000 by paying an EMI of just Rs. 5,000. The Government has received over 480 applications to date and has sanctioned Rs. 7.1 crores to build about 75 homestays.

In addition to accommodation infrastructure, the connectivity infrastructure is also being upgraded to decongest Shillong and provide connectivity to new destinations.

A fleet of electric buses and luxury tourist vehicles will be introduced to add capacity to the transport sector. Further, the works for the iconic Shillong Peak Ropeway, being taken up at a cost of Rs. 140 crores, are also expected to commence by the end of this year. The Chief Minister also spoke about the ‘Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP)’ as part of which regular musical performances are being organized in Shillong, Sohra, Tura and Jowai. Apart from providing livelihood opportunities to the artists and entrepreneurs, MGMP is also playing an important role in promoting the musical culture and heritage of the State and at the same time is also providing a unique experience for the tourists.

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