Reviving Maharashtra

Maharashtra isn't all about Mumbai. The tourism department of the state is now working on promoting the hitherto untapped destinations around the state so that it can retain the large number of business travellers who use Mumbai as a 'stopover' destination. Andrea Lopez reports

Bhushan Gagrani Managing director, MTDC

Mahrashtra's potential to develop tourism along its coastal belt is huge. Interspersed with beaches and hinterland, the state has all the ingredients in place to make it an attractive tourist destination for both national and international tourists. The number of domestic tourists visiting Maharashtra doubled during the last decade, from 41.29 lakhs in 1991 to 84.8 lakhs in 2001. Foreign tourists visiting Mumbai also increased from 7 million in 1991 to 8 million in 2001. Recently, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) announced that it will work along with travel agents and service providers from the untapped regions of Maharashtra to promote tourism along the length of the Konkan belt in the state. Under the title 'Mahabhraman', MTDC plans to bring tour operators and travel agents from Mumbai in direct contact with service providers like hoteliers, car rentals, resort owners and adventure tour operators in these untapped regions. Bhushan Gagrani, managing director, MTDC has confirmed that the state will be focussing on developing tourism along the entire Konkan belt, including eco-tourism, as well as popularising the services of luxury train Deccan Odyssey.

Abhijeet Patil, CEO, Raja Rani Travels, one of the agents who will be working alongside the MTDC in promoting Mahabhraman said that the primary purpose of launching a program like this was to retain the large number of visitors who come into Mumbai by taking them around Maharashtra. “Most business travellers coming to Mumbai use it as a 'transit' destination and prefer flying out to Kerala or Goa for a quick holiday. We want to try and lock these people inside Maharashtra,” he said. MTDC has set up the parameters where travel agents can interact with service providers, whether it is hoteliers or adventure tour operators in untapped regions like Nagpur, Ganapatiphule and so on. The crux of Mahabhraman is to identify all the players in the industry. MTDC has claimed that the tour packages will be different from traditional tour packages and will encompass agri-tourism, adventure sports, archaeological heritage and art and history. In the next few months, MTDC plans to create general awareness of the project and have more forums where travel agents can meet and jointly work out tour packages with service providers. Presently, around 25-30 service providers have been identified. Patil is of the opinion that if the initiative is handled well, it has the potential to become a brand.

New projects

The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is now developing a series of beach resorts along its coast under two schemes - the Konkan Package to be completed with state government support in two phases, and the Konkan Riviera, comprising three segments to be completed with assistance from the centre. For part one of the Konkan Riviera development, which is with the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), the government allocated Rs 520 lakh. It comprises of the development of three sites, Jaigadh Fort, Sindhudurg Fort and Vijayadurg Fort. Part two, which is with MTDC, comprises of setting up of royal tents, royal tent resorts and budget accommodation at a sanctioned budget of Rs 685.87 lakh. For part three of Konkan Riviera development, which is also with MTDC, the government has allocated Rs 594.17 lakh, which comprises development of Ganpatipule, Velneshwar, Sindhudurg, and Tarkarli circuit.

MTDC has chalked out an action plan for vision 2025

Development of infrastructure at tourist destinations: Various tourism facilities such as accommodation, eateries, toilets and information centres would be developed at all destinations. For this, the incentive policy proposed will encourage private partnership in tourism related activities and infrastructure development. Access to weekend destinations like hill-stations, beaches near major cities in Maharashtra would be given preference.

Accessibility to tourism destinations and wayside amenities: Approach roads would be identified to various tourist destinations in Maharashtra. Wayside amenities would also be planned while developing roads. In addition, rail linkages and air connectivity to important tourism destination will be strengthened by co-ordination with the concerned departments and ministries.

Strengthening of Bed and Breakfast Scheme: The Bed and Breakfast (B&B) Scheme creates facilities for travellers at remote destinations (where hotel accomodation is not available) and provides income to the local people. With the increasing interest in the rural way of life and the advent of rural tourism, the B&B Scheme offers excellent potential for the mutual benefit of tourists and the local population. This Scheme will be strengthened to form a part of rural micro-financing projects.

Recreational facilities at destinations: Entertainment facilities such as children's sports, horse rides, light and sound shows (based on feasibility) will be arranged at selected destinations. Providing recreation and entertainment at tourism destinations can convert day tourists into staying tourists.

Public-Private-Partnership: Specific destinations and monuments would be identified where public-private partnership is possible. Conservation plans would be prepared for the identified monuments. The concept of Public - Private Partnership would also be applied to the development of resorts at select destinations and for the organisation of festivals.

Pilgrimage circuits: Maharashtra is known for its pilgrimage centers like the Jyotirlingas, the Ashta Vinayaks and other famous temples at Shirdi, Pandarpur and Kolhapur Pilgrim circuits can be developed, connecting these pilgrimages.

Rural tourism: Rural Tourism, Agricultural Tourism and Wine Tourism will be promoted considering state potential & varieties existing in the state.

Fort/Fort circuits: Maharashtra has a large number of forts valued for their historical and architectural excellence. The Government of Maharashtra in coordination with ASI and State Archeology, develop and conserve these forts for realising their tourism potential.

Information kiosks: The Government of Maharashtra would create kiosks at important airports, railway stations, bus stations and important public places to provide tourist information on an interactive basis with links to the tourism portal and online booking systems.