Maharashtra Unveils Major Tourism Push with 50 Destination Development Plan
In a significant policy shift, Maharashtra has announced plans to fund the development of 50 tourist destinations entirely from its own resources. The announcement was made by MLA Ashish Jaiswal during the Advantage Vidarbha Summit on Sunday, marking a strategic move to transform tourism into a stronger economic engine for the state.
Budgetary Commitment and Implementation Timeline
Jaiswal confirmed that this ambitious tourism initiative will be formally reflected in the upcoming state budget to be presented by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. "We failed to tap the potential of the tourism sector. Even the CM admitted we did not give justice to this sector," Jaiswal stated during a panel discussion focused on tourism and hospitality in the Vidarbha region.
The minister of state elaborated on the financial framework, revealing that approximately ₹5 crore will be allocated for tourism development in each legislative constituency. This substantial investment will be accompanied by comprehensive publicity and advertisement campaigns to ensure maximum visibility for Maharashtra's tourist attractions.
Strategic Partnerships and Celebrity Collaborations
Drawing inspiration from successful models in other states, Jaiswal highlighted Maharashtra's intention to leverage celebrity influence for tourism promotion. "Gujarat roped in Amitabh Bachchan as a brand ambassador while Madhya Pradesh ran effective jungle campaigns. We must similarly highlight Maharashtra's tourism spots," he explained.
The state government is currently in advanced talks with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar for potential collaboration. Additionally, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has personally engaged with acclaimed film director Sanjay Leela Bhansali regarding a proposed film on Kavi Kalidas in Ramtek, recognizing the powerful impact cinema can have on tourist destinations.
Film Tourism and Infrastructure Development
Jaiswal emphasized the proven success of film-induced tourism, citing examples like Shirdi's prominence following the Sai Baba film and Ladakh's tourist surge after "Three Idiots." "We should actively promote tourist destinations through films," he asserted, specifically mentioning the proposed Ramtek Film City and sites connected to Kalidas and Meghdoot at Ramgiri.
Beyond promotional activities, the policy includes practical measures to support local businesses. The government will reserve specific seats in jungle safaris exclusively for resort owners, creating direct benefits for hospitality enterprises operating in tourist regions.
Industry Perspectives and Regional Challenges
During the summit, industry stakeholders presented diverse viewpoints on Maharashtra's tourism landscape. Sanjay Gupta of Ashok Hotels identified cost competitiveness as a critical issue, noting that Nagpur remains more expensive than neighboring states and advocating for infrastructure status for tourism projects.
Resort operators Chandrapal Choksey and Anil Agrawala proposed separating tourism promotion functions from development activities to create more specialized and effective governance structures. Meanwhile, Chandrashekharan Bala, director of Gorewada Zoo, showcased the facility's expanding attractions including the 115-hectare Indian Safari, night safari, and proposed African safari, all offered at accessible rates to encourage visitor participation.
Vidarbha's Tourism Potential and Current Limitations
Rishikesh Wachasunder, a resort owner, reported encouraging growth in tourist footfall at Tadoba, indicating existing demand for wildlife experiences. Travel agency director Harmandeep Singh Anand acknowledged Vidarbha's rich natural assets—particularly its wildlife and flora—that already attract foreign visitors, but highlighted the absence of coordinated travel promotion as a significant barrier to maximizing the region's tourism potential.
Jaiswal concluded by emphasizing the economic imperative behind the new policy direction: "Many countries successfully run their economies on tourism. We possess enormous potential for destination tourism in Maharashtra." With budget announcements expected to expedite implementation, this comprehensive tourism development plan represents Maharashtra's most concerted effort to date to harness its cultural, historical, and natural assets for sustainable economic growth.
