MATS

The objective of the Meghalaya Adventure Tourism Scheme is to promote Meghalaya as a premier eco-adventure destination while generating local livelihoods through sustainable and community-based tourism. It also ensures safety, environmental protection, and sectoral growth.

The Meghalaya Adventure Tourism Scheme, under the Chief Minister’s CM-ELEVATE Program and implemented by the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, aims to position Meghalaya as a leading eco-adventure destination. It leverages the state’s unique natural landscapes to promote sustainable tourism and generate local livelihoods. The scheme addresses barriers such as high equipment costs, limited credit, and safety gaps through 75% capital subsidies, credit linkage via partner banks, standardized training, eco-infrastructure support, and marketing assistance. Strict environmental safeguards and global safety standards are mandatory. It supports individual entrepreneurs, registered operators, and community-based groups in activities such as caving, rafting, paragliding, and more–fostering employment, community engagement, and sectoral growth.

For Individuals:

• The applicant must be between 18 and 58 years of age.
• The applicant must be a permanent resident of Meghalaya.
• The applicant must be involved in the tourism sector, specifically in adventure tourism (e.g., 4x4 vehicles).
• The applicant must provide a valid government-issued ID with address (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License).
• The applicant shall not be a credit defaulter with any bank.
• The applicant must have experience as a commercial driver if applying for the 4x4 category.

For Registered and Unregistered

• The entity must provide an Incorporation Certificate or a valid Registration Certificate, as applicable.
• The entity must be based in Meghalaya and actively engaged in the tourism sector.
• The entity must have an active bank account and submit the last six months’ bank statement.
• The key office bearers (President/Secretary) must provide valid government ID proof with address (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License).
• The entity shall not be a credit defaulter with any bank or financial institution.
• The entity must hold land ownership or have a lease for the project site, certified by competent authorities.

• 75% of total equipment cost supported (5% by entrepreneur, 75% as front-ended subsidy by Government of Meghalaya)
• Credit linkage through partnered banks (Meghalaya Rural Bank, MCAB, SBI, Shillong Co-operative Urban Bank)
• Loan of up to 20% of project cost, repayable over a 2-year term, with a 6-month moratorium
• Financial support for eco-friendly infrastructure (e.g., eco-campsites, bio-toilets, safety signage)
• Financial assistance for training and certification with national bodies (e.g., IMF, NIWS)
• Workshops on first aid, CPR, wilderness rescue, risk management, and customer service
• Marketing support via official Meghalaya Tourism channels and promotional materials
• Support in building linkages with tour operators and participation in tourism marts
• Pre-approved vendor list available, but entrepreneurs may choose other vendors within capped prices
• Mandatory environmental safeguards and compliance with national/international safety standards
• Capacity building programs and SOP development support for adventure operators

Individuals

Applications shall not be ordinarily considered for:

A) Pressure groups and organizations primarily political in nature

B) More than one member from a single family

C) Following individuals and their immediate family members (spouse, parents, children up to age 30):

i. State and Central Government employees

ii. Employees of public sector undertakings, their subsidiaries, or divisions

iii. Politically affiliated individuals (MLAs, MLCs, MPs, etc.) or those seeking public office

iv. Registered class-1 contractors

v. Consultants currently engaged with State or Central Government

Registered and Unregistered

Applications shall not be ordinarily considered for:

A) Pressure groups and organizations primarily political in nature

B) Entities led by or involving:

i) State and Central Government employees

ii) Employees of public sector undertakings, subsidiaries, or divisions

iii) Politically affiliated individuals (MLAs, MLCs, MPs, etc.)

iv) Registered class-1 contractors

v) Consultants currently engaged with State or Central Government