‘Maha to develop 50 tourist spots with state funds, says MoS Jaiswal

Nagpur: Maharashtra will fund the development of 50 tourist destinations from its own resources, MLA Ashish Jaiswal said on Sunday, outlining a policy shift that seeks to turn tourism into a stronger economic driver while addressing long-standing concerns over promotion, costs and access.Speaking at the Advantage Vidarbha Summit, Jaiswal said the plan would be reflected in the state budget to be presented by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. He also said the govt would reserve seats in jungle safaris for resort owners to support local hospitality businesses.
"We failed to tap the potential of the tourism sector. Even the CM admitted we did not give justice to this sector," Jaiswal said during a panel discussion on tourism and hospitality in Vidarbha. "50 destinations across Maharashtra will be developed by the govt. About ₹5 crore will be spent in each constituency. We will also ensure publicity and advertisement," the minister of state said.Jaiswal said he raised the issue in the Assembly and secured assurances for a new tourism policy. "Many countries run their economy on tourism. We have huge potential for destination tourism," he said, adding that budget announcements would expedite implementation."Gujarat roped in Amitabh Bachchan as a brand ambassador while Madhya Pradesh ran jungle campaigns. We also must highlight Maharashtra's tourism spots. We are in talks with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar," he said. Jaiswal added that the chief minister spoke to film director Sanjay Leela Bhansali about making a film on Kavi Kalidas in Ramtek. "Shirdi gained prominence after a film on Sai Baba and Ladakh saw hordes of tourists after Three Idiots. We should also promote tourist destinations through films," he said, referring to the proposed Ramtek Film City and sites linked to Kalidas and Meghdoot at Ramgiri.Sanjay Gupta of Ashok Hotels said Nagpur was costlier than neighbouring states and called for infrastructure status for tourism. Chandrapal Choksey and Anil Agrawala, who operate resorts in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, suggested separating tourism promotion from development functions.Chandrashekharan Bala, director of Gorewada Zoo, presented details of the 115-hectare Indian Safari, night safari and a proposed African safari. "Visitors at our zoo feel they are in the jungle. We offer these attractions at very low rates," he said, inviting students to volunteer.Resort owner Rishikesh Wachasunder pointed to rising footfall in Tadoba. Travel agency director Harmandeep Singh Anand said Vidarbha's wildlife and flora draw foreign visitors, but the region lacks coordinated travel promotion.