When it comes to enjoying the best of the tourism world, Maharashtra is in an enviable position. With beaches, caves, forts, temples, jungles and hill stations - it should be the dream destination for tourists. But, with the lackadaisical approach of the Maharashtra Government, will this dream destination remain a dream only? We try to pinpoint the problems and find their solutions...
Problem: Tourism not priority
Solution: Multi-pronged approach needed
Devendra Fadnavis, MLA from West Nagpur, says, "With a paltry budget of ` 100 crore set aside by the Maharashtra Government, it's not very hard to see why we are languishing when it comes to tourism! Tourism is a culture, which a society adapts to. It's something, which results in wealth and job creation, so it's got to be taken more seriously. Secondly, we have to make tourist circuits, which will make various cities/regions like a nucleus. If the Gorewada project had become operational by now, Nagpur could have been a nucleus from where Vidarbha tourism could be propelled. Lastly, if politics had not taken over, then a `1000 cr project, which our government had prepared, would have ensured a healthy vibrant circuit of 4 million tourists. But, that report's been dumped and we as a state and Vidarbha as a region are suffering."
Problem: Low visibility
Solution: Better ads, stress on new areas like eco-tourism
Dr Jagdish Patil, Managing Director of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), says, "We are working on improving our visibility as a tourist destination. The Mumbai airport, where maximum tourists land on arrival, has better ads and the MTDC stalls have better guides in resorts and getaways now. Within three months, you'll definitely see TV ads that are of high quality and stress on newer areas like eco-tourism, jungle tourism etc. We aim to make our scenic and beautiful destinations the brand ambassadors of our state."
Problem: Too many delays
Solution: Clear projects in time bound manner
Ashfaque Ahmed, a tourism consultant, whose firm had worked in conjunction with a Singapore based firm to make a blueprint for an international zoo at Gorewada, says, "It was such a fantastic idea. If it had been cleared by the authorities, it would have given such a huge economic boost to the region! But, with delays, cost overruns happen and ultimately projects fail to see the light of day. I feel it's okay to dump or take up a project if it's not up to the mark, but the decision should be final, fast and forthcoming. It'll not only save government's money, it will also fast-track the growth of many projects that are in the pipeline."
Problem: Missing the woods for the trees
Solution: Start small, replicate success model
Chandrapal Choukasey, Chairman, Maharashtra Pradesh Cong Committee, Tourism Cell, says, "The state government should form a proactive tourism policy that envisages a healthy public-private partnership to develop places of amusement. It's starting small that can help. I was given charge to spruce up the Amabazari park in the city a few years ago. The contract was for three years, and there were people coming and having a good time with their families. After it lapsed, nothing has happened. There is no interest shown. If this is the apathy that's shown for a small amusement park in the city, what to say of the archaeological sites, forests, beaches etc. that remain uncared for! It's time to pay attention to smaller and doable projects first!"
Some of the hotspots
Jungles of Vidarbha
Caves at Ajanta, Ellora, Elephanta, Pitalkhora
Forts at Raigad, Murud Zanjira, Sindhudurg, Panhala, Devgiri
Beaches of Tarkarli, Malvan, Dahanu, Ganpatipule, apart from the ones near Mumbai coast
Temples at Shirdi, Pandharpur, Ganpatipule, Tulzapur
Hill stations at Chikhaldhara, Matheran, Mahabaleshwar, Bhandardara, Amboli, Lonavla, Khandala
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