Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is now targeting foreign tourists aggressively and wants to tap the unique tourism potential the state has to lure international footfall and give them the best quality service. MTDC is not only focusing on putting the state’s infrastructure in place, but also working on several initiatives at the same time. “We have taken several steps to improve infrastructure facilities, including development of infrastructure at tourist destinations in terms of basic facilities such as eateries, toilets, and information centres, the development of Mumbai as a tourist destination and a water sport centre at Girgaon, among others. Elephanta Islands will also see the development of a jetty, beautification of the island and guiding signage,” said Jagdish Patil, MD, MTDC.
He further added that the government has set up a committee to be headed by the Mumbai Municipal Commissioner, to prepare a special tourism plan for Mumbai. “BEST has started a special CNG bus at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park for tourists. The Forest Department has also agreed to hand over three guest houses in the national park to MTDC for renovation and upgradation. We plan to open Mumbai’s Film City, where several Bollywood films and TV serials are shot, to tourists. However, since it is an independent organisation, we are awaiting confirmation from them,” he revealed.
Describing Maharashtra’s tourism offerings, Patil said that the Corporation has begun developing base camps for trekkers and paragliders. According to him, medical tourism is also slowly gaining momentum. “MICE is another area MTDC is focused on. Moreover, MTDC is also promoting its fairs and festivals. We will be expanding our festival offerings and will include new Chickoo Festival in February, Vilas Festival in March (turtle breeding festival), Panhala Festival (Indian sports) and Wine Festival in Nashik,” he informed.
MTDC is also developing new circuits and destinations to lengthen the stay of inbound tourists. “We will be upgrading various resorts under Konkan Riviera circuit which includes development of three major forts – Jaigad, Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg. Moreover, 22 Konkan beaches have also been identified for development,” Patil said. MTDC will also be developing tourist destinations in Marathwada and Vidharbha. “The world heritage sites Ajanta- Ellora and the surrounding area is being developed under AEDP phase I & II. This includes restoration of monuments, development of roads and airport at Aurangabad, etc,” he informed.
