Tag Archives: Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation

On the occasion of Navratri that is celebrated in Maharashtra with much pomp, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has announced the launch of its unique Navratri Darshan Tours for the first time for all the devotees in Mumbai. The Navratri Darshan Tour will spin across five of the most iconic Devi temples in the city which include Mumbadevi temple in Kalbadevi; Mahalakshmi temple; Dagdi Chawl in Byculla; Murubaidevi temple in Matunga and Shitladevi temple in Mahim.  The tour will commence from Bhatia Baug BEST bus depot near CST wherein 40 tourists in each AC bus will be accommodated. The online booking of this tour will start from 20 September 2016.

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has offered to join hands with the Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) at the 5th edition of the Annual Convention of IHHA held on 3rd September, 2016 at Fateh Prakash Palace in Udaipur. At the convention, Jaykumar Jitendrasinh Rawal, Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, stated, “IHHA has played a significant role in reviving the rich culture and heritage of the country and has given a new dimension to world tourism. Maharashtra is a state that has some of the most historic and magnificent monuments and tourists from across the world look forward to experience such places. Jadhavgadh fort was converted into the state’s first heritage hotel in the memory of Shri. Chhatrapati Shahuji. Dhepewada is also one of the unique properties which is a newly constructed Wada based on Maratha Architecture. There are 450 forts and palaces on the beaches of the state that remain untapped. With the aim of reviving the rich culture and heritage of Maharashtra and the country, we look forward to associate with Heritage hotels for the development and conservation of the heritage of the state.” Valsa Nair Singh, Principal Secretary, Tourism & Cultural, Government of Maharashtra, said, “Indian Heritage Hotels Association acknowledges that travellers today want the flavour of heritage and genuine culture blended with urban chic and comforts. Maharashtra is a state of historic forts and monuments which are a testimony to the era when the regime of Rajas and Maharajas was at its zenith.  The state possesses many untapped assets in quaint locations which remain unexplored. By associating with IHHA, we envisage to give a boost to heritage tourism in the state which is steadily gaining importance.” Some …

The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has announced the launch of Ganesh Darshan Tours for devotees in Mumbai. The Ganesh Darshan Tour will spin across the six of the most popular Ganesh pandals in Mumbai which includes Lalbaugcha Raja, Siddhivinayak temple, Andhericha Raja, Girgaoncha Raja Mumbaicha Raja and G.S.B. Sioncha Raja. The tour will commence from Dadar wherein 45 tourists in each AC bus will be accommodated. It will start from September 6-8, 2016 from 8am to 5pm at Rs 2,001 (inclusive of breakfast and lunch). Jaykumar Rawal, Tourism Minister, Government of Maharashtra on this initiative commented, “When it comes to Ganesh Chaturthi, the entire Mumbai soaks in its spirit, taking a break from the daily routine. The festival brings along with it a lot of excitement and enthusiasm amongst devotees. The initiative of the Ganesh Darshan Tours will not only increase tourism activities in the state, but also give an opportunity to tourists from outside the state to be a part of the festivities.”

The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has opened bookings at the famous tiger reserves – the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve and Pench Tiger Reserve – for tourists this monsoon. Satish Soni, Joint Managing Director, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation said, “In India, Monsoons may bring disappointment for wildlife lovers because many parks get closed in this season. But considering that monsoon only further enhances the picturesque beauty of these forest areas and more people are demanding to experience this wildlife experience in the monsoon season MTDC has given them an opportunity to take a nature trail in this season too.” MTDC has its resorts at Moharli Gate located on the edge of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve and MTDC Jungle Resort in Pench, Sillari, respectively. The gates for Pench Tiger Reserve will be open from Sunna and Mathani entrance points until Tipeshwar Resort.

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) in association with Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has launched its special Mumbai Darshan Tours starting on August 11, 2016. The tours will start from Rs. 499 (silver package) and go to Rs 725 (gold package). For foreign nationals, it will be at Rs 1,430. It will be inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. The Mumbai Darshan Tour will be divided in two tours, with different pick up and drop points, covering all the iconic places of Mumbai. Jaykumar Rawal, Tourism Minister, Government of Maharashtra, on this initiative said, “The launch of the Mumbai Darshan Tours is one step closer to advance the current tourism scenario in Maharashtra. Through this initiative we are not only aiming at highlighting the heritage that Maharashtra has to offer but also give a new outlook and revive the tourism sector in the state. The project development team has done a great job of creating and hand picking the destinations that will be covered in this tour to ensure each tourist gets a wholesome experience of what Maharashtra has to offer.”

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) participated in India International Travel Mart (IITM) at Chennai Trade Centre, Nandambakkam, Chennai from July 29 to 31, 2016 for promotion of Maharashtra Tourism amongst the B2B, travel trade and media fraternity of Chennai. MTDC also held a road show on July 29, post exhibition to promote the state and enthrall the Chennai trade. Swati Kale, General Manager, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation said, “Tamil Nadu is one of the most developed states of India with a large class of educated and affluent society. Maharashtra has rich tourist destinations to satiate the needs of tourists from Tamil Nadu. With Chennai being an important market from tourist point of view it is imperative for us to showcase Maharashtra and its best products to the B2B, Travel Trade fraternity, stakeholders and media. From exotic beaches to historic forts, scuba diving to fort trekking, heli tourism to deccan odyssey, delicious cuisine to culture and heritage monuments there is a lot to explore in Maharashtra. The list is endless and that is what we aim to showcase through these road shows.” On these initiatives, Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra Jaykumar Jitendrasinh Rawal commented, “The Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis has declared the year 2017 as the ‘Visit Maharashtra Year’ as part of its tourism development strategy. In view of the same, Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, planned to organize a series of roadshows, events, festivals and cultural programmes throughout India to promote the state’s tourism attractions. The objective of MTDC’s participation at IITM is to promote Maharashtra as the world-class tourist destination, and offer opportunity to travel & tour operators to interact with foreign buyers, retail buyers, …

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has been selected as a facilitator for the ‘Hunar Se Rojgar Tak’ scheme, launched by Ministry of Tourism – Government of India, to impart valuable courses at state level in the hospitality sector. MTDC has associated with identified hospitality institutions in Maharashtra for the Hunar Se Rojgar Tak scheme which primarily focuses on providing economic empowerment of the youth in the remote parts of Maharashtra. The programmes running under the scheme are free of cost for the students with an aim to empower the under privileged youth of the country ensuring economic benefit through employment generation and to reduce the skill gap that affects the hospitality sector. Dr. K. H. Govinda Raj, IAS, Managing Director, MTDC, said, “We have conducted various courses at Pune, Nasik, Baramati and Nagpur regions under the ‘Hunar Se Rozgar Tak’ scheme which has benefitted thousands of students belonging to low economic strata. MTDC has associated with reputed hospitality institutes to provide a skill based training programme in categories like food production, bakery and housekeeping which will help these students to be financially independent. Many students have benefitted from this course and are already employed and started their own career in the hospitality sector. MTDC believes in contributing towards state economy and work hard to enhance the opportunities and support youth’s contribution in the hospitality sector.”

The Maharashtra Government has appointed K.H. Govindraj as Managing Director of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). He will take charge of the new office from June 6, 2016. Govindraj takes over from Paraag Jaiin Nainuttia, IAS, who had taken charge as MD in January 2015. He earlier held the post of Secretary of Revenue snd Forest Department.

The Government of Maharashtra has announced ‘industry status’ for  tourism in the state’s new tourism policy.  Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also declared the state government’s intention to invest up to Rs 30,000 crore in tourism. The policy also underlines a focus on skill development that will consequently enhance employment in the tourism sector. The policy also shows an intention to boost Medical Tourism, Nature Tourism and Agriculture Tourism. The government has proposed to exempt Luxury Tax, entertainment tax, electricity duty charges and stamp duty on investment on land owned by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) and has offered additional incentives for tourism projects by women entrepreneurs, tourism projects by special people, and sustainable tourist projects. Fadnavis said, “This policy will generate 10 lakh new employment and double the income of state coming from tourism industry.

The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has signed a MoU with Pawan Hans to start city tours on a helicopter for tourists from January 7, 2016. The helicopter flights will take off from Juhu airport and fly north, keeping to the city’s west so as not to interfere with air traffic to/from Mumbai airport. The base fare of approximate Rs 320 per minute excluding taxes has been arrived at between the state government and Pawan Hans. A 10 minute inaugural launch ride will cost about Rs 3200, per person. Paraag Jaiin Nainuttia, IAS, MD of MTDC, said, “Initially two choppers will be in service for Mumbai Darshan. The idea is to provide an enthralling experience to the tourists and boost potential tourism in state. Gradually, we will shift rides and tours to south Mumbai and then to Matheran, Murud-Janjira, Aurangabad (Ajanta-Ellora), Nashik, Shirdi, Konkan beaches and Tadoba forest near Nagpur.” Bookings can be made at Pawan Hans’s reservation number 022 2626 1700 or at MTDC reservation office. Government issued photo identity will be required to make the booking.