Boosting skill development in tourism by developing world-class institutes including a university for travel and culture, tourism around themes like forts, culinary tourism and monthly stipends for registered tourist guides.
These are among the highlights of the state government's 'Consultation Paper on Tourism Policy- 2016'. The new tourism policy, open for stakeholders suggestions before final cabinet approval, aims at developing a strategy for creating 1 million jobs and attracting investments of Rs 30,000 crore in five years.
Maharashtra leads India in foreign tourist arrivals (20.8%) and is among the leading states for domestic tourist visits (7.2%). The policy aims at achieving a sectorial growth of 10% per annum.
"We are trying our best to boost investment in tourism infrastructure," noted Valsa Nair Singh, principal secretary (tourism and culture), adding they were promoting tourism entrepreneurship within the state. Various verticals like agro-tourism will facilitate sectorial growth.
The paper lays special focus on rural and agriculture tourism to cover sectors like wine (Nashik), mango (Ratnagiri) and oranges (Nagpur) and development of caravan tourism and theme tourism including fort circuits, beach, heritage, religious, culinary, coastal and medical tourism.
However, according to tourism department insiders, what ails the sector is not lack of grand planning, but poor implementation of these plans on ground. There have been several projects which have been announced over the years with lot of hoopla, but have not seen the light of the day.
The Rs4,000 crore London's eye project plan near Gorai, Disneyland type park in Konkan, floating hotel near Bandra-Kurla Complex, seaplane services between Girgaum Chowpatty to Juhu airport, Times Square (New York) like entertainment zone near Churchgate are among classic examples of projects which are yet to start.
"Most of the draft is nothing but the repetition of earlier plans announced. It all depends on how serious the state government is in promoting tourism" said a senior tourism department official.
However, Nair Singh said that "whatever has been put in the paper are implementable things."
Features
A smart ticketing system covering major tourist destinations, hotel stays, air and surface travel.
Mobile apps for tourist information and safety
Single-window clearance for hospitality industry and live events
A Maharashtra Tourism Investor Facilitation Cell and launch of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) transaction advisory cell
The policy lays down classification of tourism zones, and grants incentives.
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