Mah to emerge as a tourism hub soon: Deshmukh

Mumbai, Jan 10 (UNI) Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today said conscious efforts by his government would enable Maharashtra to emerge as a major tourism hub soon.

Inaugurating the 'Destination India-Unlocking the Tourism Potential' conference organised by the CII here, Mr Deshmukh said, ''As complimentary to the Incredible India campaign, Maharashtra has launched its 'Maharashtra Unlimited' campaign in the overseas and domestic market to create awareness and popularise its tourist destinations.'' Maharashtra showcases as much as India offers to tourists, he said, highlighting the state's unique 720 km coastline dotted with long stretches of palm fringed clean beaches and declaration of the Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta caves as World Heritage Sites.

Mr Deshmukh said 350 ancient forts, 30 wild life sanctuaries, five National Parks including two Tiger reserve projects, besides numerous pilgrim centres, colourful festivals round the year have the potential to make Maharashtra a desired tourist destination.

The state offers great opportunities for promoting tourism in various parts of the state and this provides excellent business opportunities for investors in the tourism industry, he added.

Stating that Maharashtra's domestic tourist circuit is the third highest in the country, Mr Deshmukh informed that his government recently launched a new tourism policy by which various incentives - fiscal and others, are offered to the investors ranging from a five to ten year period.

These include various tax concessions and duty concessions supplemented by the pragmatic land policy. Even No Development Zones are opened for eco-friendly tourism projects, he added.

The Maharashtra government has identified certain tourism circuits and special tourism areas which will get priority in tourism- related infrastructure development. With a planned systematic tourism development in mind, the government has been studying various reports prepared by reputed institutions to make this a reality, Mr Deshmukh said.

The Chief Minister said the Centre and the State Governments are providing adequate financial assistance for these developmental activities and wherever necessary, even overseas funding is also obtained, as in the case of the Eco-Tourism project for Conservation and Preservation of the Ajanta and Ellora caves.

Mr Deshmukh informed that his government has introduced a scheme, whereby about 250 historical monuments have been made available for adoption to any individual or corporate house. The scheme envisages handing over the monuments for preservation, maintenance and upkeep to individuals/organisations coming forward to sponsor.

''We are also planning to focus on various innovative concepts like Bollywood tourism, Eco-Tour, Agro tourism, Wine tourism and Special Entertainment Zone,'' he added.

The Chief Minister also spoke about the Deccan Odyssey train which gives an overall glimpse of the state-from beaches, temples, forts, caves, rivers, arts, crafts to cuisine in seven days.

He expressed confidence that in the era of discovering India, Maharashtra will remain a leader in the tourism sector as well.

UNI