Despite a huge potential as a tourist destination, Maharashtra is far behind compared to other states such as Gujarat, Uttarakhand and Kerala. In order to get Maharashtra ahead in the tourism race, young and dynamic tourism minister –Jaykumar Rawal– has taken several initiatives. While speaking with Free Press Journal’s Vivek Bhavsar, Rawal reveals what is in store for the state.
What decision have you taken during your tenure?
We focus on creating new avenues to tap the tourism prospects in the state. Chief Minister has allotted Rs 100 crore for the growth of Aurangabad city to develop it as the new industrial and tourism centre.
What are your plans for Konkan tourism?
We have a coastline of 720 kilometres and we have focused on it. Fortunately, Nitin Gadkari, union minister for road transport has decided to develop coastal road which has budget of Rs 10,000 crore. There is no need for Maharashtra or Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) to spend from its own budget. We will get ready infrastructure in Konkan where we will promote ‘Stay at Home’ scheme. This scheme is already implemented and it has good response from the tourist. We are also planning to connect tourism spots such as beaches and forts with the coastal road to ensure tourist can reach there easily and with comfort.
What are the other plans in Konkan for tourism?
The state tourism department has proposed to develop selected caravan parks in mountainous and coastline areas in an effort to encourage caravan tourism across Konkan and the rest of Maharashtra. MTDC is working on a caravan tourism policy. Under this, MTDC can buy and organise caravans at various locations or associate with private operatives who have such vans to boost tourism in the state. Caravan is a vehicle equipped for living in, typically towed by a car and used for holidays.
What are the other initiatives for rest of the Maharashtra?
Vidarbha is rich with natural minerals. We feel that coal mines can become tourist spots as common man is eager to know how coal mines works. Tourist also desires to visit the mine. Hence, we signed Memorandum of Understanding with Western Coalfields Limited (WCL). In association with WCL, MTDC organises mine tourism in Nagpur with an aim to raise awareness about the importance of coal mining, which forms backbone for most industries. Tourists will get an opportunity to visit the depth of a WCL coal mine in Saoner, tour an eco-park and visit the open cast mine in Gondegaon. Tourists will get an opportunity to descend into a coalmine 500 metres below the surface near Nagpur to experience the hardship of miners and also learn about fantastic machines. Individuals usually think and consider things to be polluted, insecure and environmentally hazardous in coal mining areas and MTDC desired to change this insight of the society.
What are your plans for cruise tourism?
Cruise tourism is the most vibrant and fastest developing modules of the leisure sector all across the globe. Over the years, cruise tourism has witnessed a growth and has become a dynamic component in the economic growth.
Shipping ministry has been formulating policies to support Maharashtra’s position as a cruise hub. Therefore, there is a huge potential for cruise tourism among domestic as well as international travellers. Cruise tourism will assist to earn foreign exchange and generate job opportunities, as it is a game changer. Foreseeing the increase in demand in India, recently Italy’s Costa Cruise launched Costa NeoClassica from Mumbai to Maldives via Cochin. The sailing will start in the month of November 2017 and Costa Cruise NeoClassica can accommodate 1,700 passengers with 658 cabins. The opportunity will bring in new prospects and motivate to develop the cruise port which will create opportunities for international cruise liners and improve cruise tourism in India. India has a huge potential in cruise tourism with its rich natural resources. Similarly, Maharashtra’s richness will also play a key role in displaying MTDC’s efforts to promote cruise tourism and will cater to the passion of growing travellers.
There is a demand for Bollywood tourism among tourist. How do you plan to promote it?
Indian cinema has always left a mark on the national and international audience. Bollywood or the Indian movie industry is one of the biggest film industries in the world. MTDC is promoting Bollywood tourism in association with veteran art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai, ND Studio in Karjat. The Bollywood theme park, established in Karjat, will be inaugurated in December and visitors will be able to experience a movie-making experience.
What are the other plans?
The tourism ministry plans to have India’s first Aero Sports Academy in Dhule with the support of MTDC. This will develop Dhule as a training centre and emerging tourist hotspot.
