Maharashtra aims 10% growth in tourism this year: MTDC MD

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Maiden Maharashtra International Travel Mart to be inaugurated by CM Devendra Fadnavis on Sept 28

Maharashtra witnessed a 7-8% growth in tourism last year, announced Paraag Jaiin Nainutia, MD, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), at a media conference, which was held in the city yesterday to give a brief about the upcoming maiden Maharashtra International Travel Mart (MITM). “Our aim is to increase this to 10 per cent this year,” he added.

To be inaugurated by Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis, MITM will take place from September 28-30 at Bombay Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) in Goregaon, a suburb in Mumbai. The event is set to showcase the tourist attractions of Maharashtra.

Valsa R. Nair Singh, IAS, Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Government of Maharashtra, said, “Maharashtra has been one of India’s biggest tourist attractions with its wide arena of magnetisms, and is home to the largest inventory of tourism products that the country has to offer with 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, over 900 caves, 350 forts, a splendid wildlife, and world-class beaches.”

She strongly believes that MITM will give momentum to the inbound travel and tourism industry as well. “This would enhance the marketing efforts of Maharashtra Tourism to promote our destinations to the travel trade and tourists from all over the world,” she stated.

The event is expected to be attended by over 250 registered buyers, stakeholders of the industry like hoteliers, travel agents, adventure tour operators, and the media from over 30 countries. “Around 75 buyers from outside India and 150 domestic buyers are participating in the event,” informed Singh.

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The event line-up includes seminars on film tourism, peace tourism, and wellness tourism. Travel industry players from the US, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, France, Greece, Israel Japan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, UAE, UK, South Africa, and Singapore are also expected. Travel and hospitality associations such as ADTOI, ATOAI, and IATO are supporting MITM.