Maharashtra tourism expected to get back to track with drop in infections

Published on : Saturday, October 30, 2021

Maharashtra tourism and environment minister Aaditya Thackeray expressed confidence about the recovery of the tourism industry in the state, which has beenseverelyaffected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Maharashtra tourism is expected to bounce back with a V-shaped recovery in coming months with a steady drop in infections.

The minister said that the tourism industry would act as a sponge to absorb the highest number of jobs and generate revenue for states in the post-Covid world.

“I am really optimistic about the tourism sector. In those areas where Covid cases are low, we saw this concept of ‘revenge tourism’ because people want to step out and travel to places they have not gone to. It may be isolated villas, or staycation or boating. I am highly optimistic and see a V-shaped recovery for this sector in the coming few months,” he said. “In the post-Covid world, this sector will be our sponge industry which will absorb the highest number of employment growth, highest revenue for the state, and it will have a ripple effect on the country’s economy,” Thackeray added.

The state tourism minister said that tourist pattern has changed since the start of Covid-19. People have turned to forests, farms, open areas and isolated properties in place of the usual tourist spots.

“The two-three day vacations have changed to three-four day vacations within the city. People book hotels and stay there. Another trend that we have seen in Karjat, Mahabaleshwar, Matheran and even in Konkan is that people are visiting these areas for five to six weeks and during their stay here, they are working from home. The forest sector is picking up and people want to go into the wild and explore. Caravan tourism has picked up,” Minister Thackeray said.