Maharashtra’s tourism landscape is set to get a major booster dose in coming months. The Ministry of External Affairs, in an attempt to explore opportunities in tourism promotion, has decided to hold the maiden SAARC Tourism Summit in Aurangabad. Valsa Nair Singh, Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture, Government of Maharashtra announced that the two-day summit was also being aimed at tapping FDI under ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make in Maharashtra’ schemes.
Highlighting the reasons behind the decision to host the summit in Aurangabad, Valsa Nair Singh said “The Ajanta-Ellora caves have always remained the biggest tourism attraction in the state among foreigners and Indians. The historical silk route and connect of the place with the Buddhist circuit across world, including China, is significant. All these are reason enough for Aurangabad to be the preferred choice. The conference aims at promoting Aurangabad and other destinations of Maharashtra.” The Department of Tourism (DoT) is also trying to rope in the PM to inaugurate the event.
Calling the coming two years “very important” for the progress and prosperity of state’s tourism sector, Valsa Nair added that the state would celebrate 2017 as Visit Maharashtra Year.
