tourism scheme in maharashtra

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Directorate of Tourism

Directorate of Tourism, the flagship body of Maharashtra Tourism, looks after implementing and introducing various tourism schemes, promotions and publicity to boost tourism in the State. Since the inception of the Directorate of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, the State has attained several milestones and bagged numerous accomplishments with the help of various initiatives.

Mentioned below are some of the key highlights/achievements of the past one year

1. introduction of single window clearance for licensing to promote ease of doing business for hospitality sector.

As an effort to step up and revive tourism in the state, Maharashtra has introduced a single-window clearance for licensing in order to promote ease of doing business for hospitality sector. Leading the way to boost the tourism sector, in Maharashtra only 10 not 70, licences will be needed for hospitality business. Also, the decision of merging the application form with self-declaration eliminated the requirement of a permission letter. This means reduction in paper work.

2. First state in the country to give industry status to hospitality sector

A ground-breaking moment for the hotel industry, Maharashtra awards ‘industry status’ to hospitality sector after reduction of pre-establishment licenses from 70 to 10, that will undoubtedly give much needed support to hotels. Hotels can apply to get the Industry status. Application process is open on the official website of Maharashtra Tourism encouraging them to fill a form for getting Industrial status for their properties. This status entitles them to a host of benefits and privileges from the state – tariffs and duties on electricity, water as well as property, development and non-agricultural taxes at industrial rates. In the first phase, the ‘industry status’ can be availed by the hotels classified under the Ministry of Tourism, after which all the other hotels can avail the benefit.

3. First state to implement agri-tourism policy

Being the first state in India to implement agro-tourism policy, Maharashtra is servicing as an enabler for those looking to travel and enjoy rustic outdoors. The agro-tourism policy will invigorate the rural sector and agricultural practitioners empowering people with a steady source of an alternative employment and income through tourism. The projects of up to 8 rooms plus kitchen within five acres of land will not require a non-agricultural certificate.

4. Maharashtra being the only state to execute its beach shack policy, after Goa

In a bid to boost beach and coastal tourism, the state has recently approved ‘Beach shack’ policy that will allow setting up to 10 beach shacks and beach facility centres along the Konkan coast. ‘Beach Shack Policy’ will encourage locals living on the coastline of Maharashtra to open beach shacks, serving as local hangouts/eateries for tourist. As a pilot project, 8 beaches of the Konkan coastline have been selected for setting up beach shacks- namely Varsoli and Diveagar beaches in Raigad, Guhagar and Aare Ware beaches in Ratnagiri, Kunkeshwar and Tarkarli beaches in Sindhudurg and, Kelwa and Bordi in Palghar. The shacks will remain open from 7 AM to 7 PM and CCTV for each one will be mandatory.

5. With an independent office, Directorate of Tourism commences its responsibilities in full swing

To further enhance the humongous tourism potential of the State, Maharashtra Govt. recently set up an independent office of Directorate of Tourism (DoT), the flagship body of Maharashtra Tourism to implement and introduce various tourism schemes, promotions and publicity to boost tourism in the state.

6. Investment MoUs of Rs. 3000 crores to generate over 6000 employment opportunities

Furthermore, to help the industry and business to find its feet again due to the setback caused by the pandemic, The Department of Tourism had announced an investment of Rs. 3000 crores to generate over 6,000 employment opportunities through various mutual tie-ups and Memorandum of understanding (MoUs) in the tourism sector in Maharashtra. In the wake of people’s life slowly returning to normalcy and easing of lockdown in the State, The Department of Tourism had also announced the new digital festival in Mumbai in partnership with Young Entrepreneurs with the signing of MoUs, announcement of the ‘Videography Contest’ & ‘The Mumbai Festival’ in January 2021.

7. India Today magazine rated Maharashtra as number 1 round the year destination in the ‘Major State category’

Adding another feather to its cap, the state of Maharashtra was rated as the no. 1 round the year travel destination in Major State category by India Today, one of the leading magazines for Tourism in India.

8. Successfully implemented ‘Discover Maharashtra’ digital campaign to promote offbeat places in Maharashtra

In an effort to promote offbeat places, locations in Maharashtra, DoT successfully conducted #DiscoverMaharashtra- a robust digital campaign featuring a plethora of topics such as Medical Tourism, Eco-Tourism, Wellness Tourism, Safe And Responsible Tourism, Experiential Tourism, Heritage Toursim, MICE- to name a few.

9. Execution of the caravan policy as a new vertical of experiential tourism

To boost tourism in the State, the Maharashtra government gave a green signal to the Caravan Tourism policy, which will allow private players to get vehicles for tourism and setting up of caravan parks in public and private places. The policy has been adopted in a bid to develop tourism at offbeat destinations and to facilitate, promote and publicize the tourism directorate. It is aimed at providing safe travel, incentive to tour operators and boost employment opportunities for the travel sector. An application form has been created for them to register & benefit from all the incentives under this policy.

10. New policy for Maharashtra Tourism properties to bring in more investment thereby creating accommodation for luxury segment

Adding another facet to tourism and tourism related activities, Maharashtra Tourism signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Hotels Company Ltd (Taj Group) to transfer 54.40 hectare of land for setting up a five-star tourism centre on the 90-year lease at Mauje Shiroda Velagar, Taluka Vengurla, in Sindhudurg district. An investment of Rs 100 Crore will be made in the first phase of this project.

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• seniorcoordinator
• Jul 26, 2023

Featuring State Maharashtra's Initiatives on Sustainable Tourism

MAHARASHTRA’S INITIATIVES OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Maharashtra Tourism Policy – 2016 - 2023 at a Glance

Highlights of the 2016 Maharashtra Tourism Policy are as follows:

1. Designate Tourism as a priority sector since it holds the potential to usher in economic development and generate high employment opportunities in Maharashtra – change—the policy will establish.

2. Achieve sector growth of 10% per annum and share of 15% in GSDP through tourism and tourism related activities.

3. Generate fresh investments in the tourism sector to the tune of INR 30,000 crore by 2025

4. Create 1 million additional jobs in the tourism sector by 2025

5. Incentivize tourism units in the state by linking it to the Package Scheme of Incentives, 2013 of Industries, Energy and Labor Department or any modifications thereafter. The incentives under this policy are designed as per the needs of the tourism sector in the state.

6. Key strategic interventions are identified and special incentives for respective intervention have been laid out.

7. Strengthening of tourism infrastructure especially in the form of PPP model, special tourism infrastructure Tourism Infrastructure development fund, CSR, etc. are defined in this policy.

Maharashtra Embarks To Realise Net Zero Mission

Maharashtra joined the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) in 2022 as part of its efforts to combat plastic pollution. The move, announced during the WEF’s annual meeting held in Davos, Switzerland, follows the fifth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 5), in which member nations agreed to be held legally accountable for their contributions to the global plastic pollution crisis.

Maharashtra’s Environment and Climate Change Ministry will work in collaboration with the GPAP to launch a National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP), a platform to help tackle plastic pollution in Maharashtra. As part of the initiative, the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation ( MIDC ) has decided to set up a plastic park at the new industrial estate at Ajang in Malegaon taluka.

Maharashtra Green Building Policy

The Maharashtra Green Building Policy have recently been approved by the Government of Maharashtra. Urban Development Department Government of Maharashtra is seeking to receive suggestions from the citizens so that necessary suggestions can be worked upon and updated recommendations can be sent to the state government for further deliberation.

Terms and Conditions

1. The suggestion must not contain any provocative, objectionable or inappropriate content.

2. The suggestion can be submitted in English and Marathi language both.

3. The Urban Development Department Government of Maharashtra, if it so decides, reserves the right to not proceed with the suggestions at any stage.

4. The decision of Urban Development Department Government of Maharashtra will be final and binding on all participants.

Project Aurangabad Ploggers

Aurangabad Ploggers’, comprising of a bunch of enthusiastic residents of Aurangabad, Maharashtra who are working towards making India a ‘plastic-free nation’. Aurangabad Ploggers was founder Nikhil Khandelwal in December 2020.

Currently they have over 500 volunteers from across the city. Aurangabad Ploggers aims to create plastic-free India and the group is working relentlessly to achieve their goal. The below are the verticals executed by them to create PLASTIC FREE INDIA.

· Plogging in which areas of Aurangabad

· Teaching waste management

· Chalk of shame

· Kind and quantity of waste collected

· Recycling plastic waste

· Aiming to create plastic-free India

Environmental Balanced Prosperous Village Development Scheme

Gramothathan campaign has been started to bring sustainable village development in the state on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee Year of the establishment of Maharashtra State. This development is expected by people's initiatives, in the financial, technical and administrative collaboration of the government in the three areas of Physical, Livelihood. This is a program for quality physical infrastructure. An important principle in sustainable rural development is that in order to create high-quality copies of the material at one place in the village, it should be considered beforehand that how natural resources can be used to maintain a sustainable environment.

Increasing the population of the day and the loss of natural resources is going down, so many topics like 'Global Warming' are being rooted. The need of the hour is to create an affluent and prosperous village by conserving, saving and protecting the environment, so the Government started the Environmental Balanced Village Scheme in the year 2010-11. The purpose of this scheme is to provide sustainable development of the village by maintaining ecological balance.

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• Maha Govt to develop Konkan Tourism to push growth of Blue Economy

Principal Secretary -Tourism, Maharashtra Government has said that the state is promoting beach tourism along its 720-km-long Konkan coastline

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• Published On Mar 5, 2021 at 02:05 PM IST

• Updated On Mar 5, 2021 at 02:05 PM IST

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Home Blog Scheme Maharashtra Tourism Incentives...

Maharashtra Tourism Incentives & Eligibility

This policy Generate fresh investments in the tourism sector to the tune of INR 30,000 crore by 2025 – Tourism policy tourism incentives subsidy for adventure tourism subsidy for hotel

Development of Special Tourism Districts/Zones:

• The districts of Nagpur, Aurangabad and Sindhudurg will be earmarked as special tourism districts.
• In addition, the state will notify other special tourism zones/estates as when required.
• These regions will be given additional incentives and incentive period.
• In addition, special marketing assistance will be given to them to promote them as major tourism destinations of the state.

Development of Tourism growth corridors

1. Classify the state into separate tourist cities, tourist clusters and tourist corridors which will be promoted through identified themes.

2. Employ a pilot project along a major highway and on its successful returns, replicate the process along five major highways in the state.

Rural Tourism

The state offers a unique tourism proposition through its rural landscape (approx. 55% of the state area). This strategy aims to promote rural tourism as the primary tourism product to spread tourism and its socio-economic benefits to rural and the surrounding regions. This will lead to a balanced and far-reaching growth in the state, thus improving the economic situation at the village level. 

A maximum of 20% of the total land available should be undertaken for construction of dormitories, rooms, and tents; rest of the land should be reserved for cultivation and agricultural activities

Eligible Units

Eligible units that will be covered as a part of this policy are as follows:

1. Hotels, Heritage Hotels, Resorts and Health Farms, Health & Wellness spa and units registered under the Bed and Breakfast scheme of MTDC/DoT.

2. Motels and wayside amenities

3. Apartment Hotels/Service Apartments

4. Water Sports and Amusement Parks

5. Arts and Crafts Villages

6. Golf Courses

7. Camping, Caravanning and Tent Facilities

8. Arial Ropeways

9. Exhibition-cum-Convention Centers

10. Development of Hill Stations – Tourism units

11. Adventure Tourism Projects

12. Houseboats

13. Eco-Tourism Projects

14. Museums and Aquariums

16. Medical tourism units

17. Projects approved by classification Committee of the Tourism Department of the State Government

New Tourism Unit

A “New Tourism Unit” means a new tourism project set up for the first time by a tourism undertaking satisfying the following conditions:

1. It is not an existing unit.

2. At least one of the Effective Steps is completed on or after1stApril, 2016 for setting of the Unit.

3. It is not formed as a result of re-establishment, mere change of ownership, change in the constitution, reconstruction or revival of an Existing Unit. – Tourism policy

Eligible Investment

Eligible Investment shall mean and include the investment in the fixed assets [as per Para Nos.5.6.7 and 5.6.8 (a), (b), (c)], acquired at site and paid for within the permissible investment period, limited to the item wise maximum limit (i.e. Land at ready reckoner rate, Land development, Building, Plant and Machinery etc.) as per the approved Project Scheme by the concerned term lending agency or as appraised by the approved agency in case of self-financed projects and accepted by the Implementing Agency.

All  projects  aimed to promote  tourism  with a fixed capital investment of a minimum of Rs 500 crore or promising a direct employment generation of 750 anywhere in the state will be categorised as ultra  mega projects . – Tourism policy

Maharashtra Tourism Policy Incentives

Mega Project classification and threshold limits

Fiscal incentives to Mega/Ultra Mega projects

Fiscal incentives to largeunits, incentives to msme units, eligible units in annexure – a.

Hotel projects should have facilities expected of establishments in the 1 to 5 star categories according to the guidelines for hotels of the Department of Tourism, Govt. of India,

The Resort project should have a minimum of 20 lettable rooms with attached bathrooms. Unless it is a hill station or a beach or a location, which, in the opinion of the Tourism Project Approval Group (TAG), does not require air conditioning, at least 35% of the rooms should be air conditioned.

Health Farm

There should be at least 20 lettable rooms with attached bathrooms. It should have at least six of the following facilities.

Health Club , Gymnasium Yoga/Meditation Area ,Outdoor Exercise Areas  , Indoor Games ,Outdoor Games , Swimming Pool , Classroom , Jogging Tracks , Horse Riding facility  It should be located on a plot ad measuring at least 5000 sq.m.- Tourism policy

Water sports

Water sports projects should be set up at a beach or, lakeside or, riverside along with a pontoon/jetty. It should offer at least two water sport facilities. Parasailing, water-scooters, hovercraft and water-skiing are examples of such facilities. In addition to investment in boat and outboard motor, it should make an investment of at least Rs.5 lakhs in water sports equipment

Amusement Park

“An Amusement Park should have at least 8 amusement rides. There should be a minimum investment of Rs.50 lakhs in amusement rides/aids. This pertains to the cost of equipment alone. It should have a minimum area of 20000 sq.m.”

The Ropeway should be mechanized and motor driven. The horizontal length may be about 500 meters but it can be slightly less if the location demands so. It should be comfortable for the passengers and free from noise. It should have capacity to carry minimum 200 passengers per hour.

Heritage hotel

“A Heritage hotel should be a palace, a haveli, a darbargrih of any building, built in a traditional style, prior to 1950. The façade, architectural features and general construction should have the distinctive qualities, ambience, and décor consistent with a traditional lifestyle. It should have minimum 10 lettable rooms

Adventure Tourism Projects

“An adventure tourism project should provide required equipment with trained staff to maintain and run the activity. The requisite permissions from local authorities as well as permission/provision from safety angle must to be obtained/made. Minimum facilities like restaurant (wherever required), drinking water supply, staying arrangements (wherever required), toilet etc. should be provided.”- Tourism policy

The government of Maharashtra  consider it necessary  in the public interest  to exempt the consumption of energy in respect of the class  of premises  for the payment of  the electricity  duty payable  under PART – B  of the scheduled A  appended to the Maharashtra  electricity duty  act  2016  

Mega /ultra mega project

Large project, msme project, stamp duty exemption.

“New Tourism Unit” or “Expansion of an existing Unit” shall mean the Tourism Unit which is so certified to be such unit by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation Limited, under the Tourism Policy of Maharashtra 2016

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• Volume 10, Number 3

Innovative Agrotourism Trends- Maharashtra State as a Model for Cross-Cultural Tourism in India

1 Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Global Business School and Research Centre Pune, Maharashtra, India

2 MBA Department, Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Technology, Pune, Maharashtra, India.

Corresponding Author E-mail: [email protected]

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.12944/CARJ.10.3.15

Article Publishing History

Review Details

Article Metrics

Both urban residents and farmers benefit from agro tourism. Farmers now have a second source of income, and family members now have a job opportunity. However, there are some issues with how such centers are being developed. Therefore, in order to advance and raise the income level of the farmers in Maharashtra, the government and other relevant authorities should try to support these activities. The study's goal was to investigate the difficulties that Konkan region agro-tourism centers faced 5 . It was noted that the Konkan division, the second-largest division in Maharashtra, has 33 agro tourism centers that have been successfully established (58.6 percent) Agro tourism businesses were established between 2008 and 2010, 22.2% of respondents were registered with the Maharashtra State Agro Tourism Co-operative Federation LTD (MART), but there was a lack of training for the industry (62.2%), poor communication skills (80%), a lack of coordination between the departments of agriculture and tourism (100.00%), and low levels of entrepreneurship (90.00%). (78 percent) 4 , utilizing a descriptive research methodology, primary and secondary data were collected using the questionnaire and observation as the main data collection tools. Journal articles, articles, websites, and other secondary data collection tools were used. 45 active agro tourism facilities in Maharashtra's Konkan region participated in the survey.

Agro tourism; Agribusiness enterprises; Cross-culture; Farmers; Maharashtra state

Current Development of Indian Agro –tourism industry

From a local to a worldwide level, the tourism sector is significant both economically and non-economically ways. The potential for agrotourism is limitless. India has a lot of possibility to explore its tourist potential and generate profitable returns from it. According to a private survey, Indian tourism is expanding at a rate of 10.1%, at the same time as global tourism is only expanding at a rate of 4% 2 . This indicates that Indian tourism is expanding at a rate that is 2.5 times faster than the global average.By adopting the concept of agrotourism, not only is the current growth rate sustained, but also this value-added contribution to future growth, particularly focusing on domestic tourism in addition to the package tourism, is made. Additionally, this would increase India’s tourism industry’s competitiveness on the world market.

Agro-Tourism: A New Tool for Socio-Economic Activities

Any rural individual farmer can launch an agrotourism business using his current resources as part of an innovative idea. Agrotourism facilities may be established by agricultural co-operative societies, non-governmental organizations, agricultural universities, and agricultural colleges in addition to individual farmers. Even community involvement is necessary for the success of agrotourism. Even Grampanchayats (Local Bodies), with the assistance of villagers and farmers, can launch such centres in their operational regions 1 . Agrotourism has a lot of potential in the current context because:

Agrotourism is a low-cost entryway.

An additional source of work and money for farmers who protest unpredictable revenue.

Urban residents who are concerned about their health and seek refuge in environmentally beneficial activities.

It satisfies interest in the farming sector and way of life.

There is a large need for healthy, family-friendly recreational activities.

Fosters an appreciation for and interest in nature.

It is a useful resource for fostering cultural change among urban and rural populations.

A novel approach to lessen disappointment with overcrowded cities and resorts.

Reminiscence of their farm-based origins.

The educational benefits of agrotourism.

Assists in lightening the load on other established tourist destinations.

The best resource for cross-cultural transmission, last but not least.

Objectives of the study

To analyze the trends in agro-tourism industry in the state of Maharashtra as a model for cross-cultural tourism in India

To recognize agro tourism as a cross-cultural trending instrument and to offer recommendations for presenting Maharashtra State as a “Model of Indian Agro-tourism.”

Hypothesis of the study

The level of awareness and both tourists and farmers have a positive relationship.

The level of entrepreneurial culture and both tourists and farmers have a positive relationship.

There is a positive relationship between bank loan interest and both tourists and farmers.

Research Methodology

Sources of data

The Maharashtra State Agro Tourism Co-operative Federation Limited (MART), Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (MTDC), and Agro-Tourism Development Corporation’s records provided the study’s primary data and basic information (ATDC). The investigator then conducted one-on-one interviews with the owners of agro tourism centers after creating an interview schedule with goals in mind.

The following sources provided the secondary data and other pertinent information for the study:

Published studies, papers, and other data from various agriculture organizations.

Reference materials related to the topic published by various authors and organizations, including reports, bulletins, journals, and periodicals.

Taking part in training sessions, seminars, and workshops on the subject.

Locale of the study

The Konkan region of Maharashtra state served as the site of the current study.

Research design

The study’s research design was exploratory.

Selection of the respondents

Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts are located in the Konkan region. The study covered each of Konkan’s five districts. Agro tourism facilities are located in the area and are registered with the Maharashtra State Agro Tourism Co-operative Federation Limited (MART), the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (MTDC), and the Agro-Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC). Agro tourism facilities are also operating in the area without being registered with any organization.

In order to identify the actual operational agro tourism centers, a pilot survey was conducted in five districts of the Konkan region: Palghar, Ratnagiri, Raigad, Sindhudurg, and Thane.

50 operational agro-tourism centers were chosen for the study from a list of well-functioning working agro-tourism centers that was created with the aid of the pilot survey. 45 respondents from five different districts were chosen at random to make up the sample.

Construction of Schedule

The scheduled structured interviews are used as a tool for data collection. An interview schedule was created with the study’s goals in mind.

Data collection was done using the personal interview technique.

Statistical analysis

Using parameters like frequency, percentages, mean, and standard deviation, the data were processed and tabulated.

Result and Analysis

Current agro tourism conditions in Maharashtra’s Konkan region

Maharashtra’s division-specific agro tourism destinations

Maharashtra’s division-specific agro tourism destinations (November, 2020) under the auspices of Maharashtra State Agricultural Tourism Cooperative Federation Limited (MART) 3

Table 1 and Fig. 1 were reviewed to determine the distribution of agro-tourism centers by division in the state of Maharashtra. Of the centers registered with MART, slightly more than two-thirds (58.6%) were located in the Pune division, and 21.1% were located in the Konkan division. Nasik came in second with 3.8 percent of the agro-tourism centers, followed by Nagpur with 11.5 percent, Amravati with 2.4 percent, and Aurangabad division with 2.21 percent. The highest number of active agro tourism facilities is 124, located in Pune division. With 33 successfully established agro tourism centers, the Konkan division of Maharashtra is the second-largest division.

Year of establishment

The data pertaining to the year of establishment of agro-tourism enterprises are given in Table 2.

As seen in Table 2 and Fig. 2, the majority of agro tourism businesses (44.4%) were founded between 2006 and 2007, 22% between 2008 and 2010, 13.3% between 2005 and 2006, and 8.8% between 2001 and 2005 and 1970 to 1990, respectively.

This business gained traction after the Agro-Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) was founded in 2005 and the Maharashtra State Agro Tourism Co-operative Federation Limited (MART) in 2008. The agro-tourism concept began to gain popularity as a result of the federation’s efforts in both areas, particularly in promoting the concept in urban areas and providing training to farmers regarding agro-tourism.

Agro-tourism center registered under organization

The first state in India to introduce agro tourism was Maharashtra. Numerous societies, organizations, and NGOs working on agriculture tourism in the Maharashtra state have received official recognition from the Maharashtra government. Table 3 displays the distribution of respondents by the organization that their agro-tourism centre is registered with.

The Agro Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) and the Maharashtra State Agro Tourism Co-operative Federation LTD respectively registered 38.0% and 33.3% of the respondents, respectively, according to Table 3 and Fig. 3, respectively (MART). Only 40% of respondents were registered with the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, however (MTDC)

Agro tourism centers have been established by farmers in the Konkan region and throughout the state as a result of the MTDC and ATDC initiatives to launch the Mahahraman scheme and Agro Tourism Vistar Yojana, respectively. With the primary goal of coordinating the activity of planning, financing, marketing, and liaison with various state and central governmental agencies, MART is similarly working on the agricultural tourism line.

Challenges faced by the agro-tourism center owner for running agro-tourism center

The following are some of the main obstacles or roadblocks to the proper development of agro tourism enterprises:

According to Table 4, the owner of an agro-tourism centre faced challenges such as a lack of training in agro-tourism (62.2%), poor communication skills (80%), a lack of coordination between the agriculture and tourism departments (100.00%), low awareness of agro-tourism among farmers and tourists (48.8%), a low level of entrepreneurial culture (78%).

Maharashtra’s Konkan region is experiencing rapid growth in agro tourism 6 . Despite this, there are obstacles preventing Maharashtra’s agro-tourism industry from developing further. Here are a few of them

Weather conditions

Orientation issues in customer communications and marketing fragmented and less productive land

Lack of understanding of government agricultural policies and programmes

Fewer visitors are drawn to the agro tourism centre.

Table 1: Maharashtra’s division-by-division distribution of agro tourism destinations (December, 2019) Licensed by the Maharashtra State Agricultural Tourism Cooperative Federation Limited (MART)

Table 2: Distribution of the agro tourism destinations based on the founding year.

Table 3: Distribution of the agro tourism centers according to the organization that each one is registered with

Table 4: Distribution of the respondents in accordance with the difficulties the owner of the agro tourism centre has in operating the centre

  The findings regarding the difficulties faced by the proprietor of an agro tourism facility are shown in Table 4.

Table 5: Hypothesis Testing

The significant values 0.03, 0.02 and 0.01 respectively which is less than standard significant value of 0.05. Hence, it is proved that there were positive and significant relationships founds. According to table 5, the current study’s hypotheses are accepted and the null hypothesis is rejected.

In summary, agro tourism is beneficial to both traditional and contemporary agricultural activities. Farmers now have the chance to use the available resources in a diversified and creative manner. Both farmers and tourists benefit from it, which is a win-win situation. By creatively utilizing the resources at their disposal, farmers can increase their income, and tourists can affordably enjoy rural life and nature. Additionally, the growth of agro-tourism is advantageous for the villages. A few instances of agro tourism in the Maharashtra district’s Konkan region. Agro tourism has been demonstrated in Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg to benefit a village’s overall social and economic development in addition to the development of its farmers. Despite the fact that agro tourism is expanding, government support through appropriate and favorable policies for its development is still lacking. As a result, the government should give Maharashtra’s agro tourism industry priority through appropriate policy measures.

To promote and spread the idea of agro-tourism as an easily adaptable and implementable business for farmers in India, a proper business model is required. All of the aforementioned issues can be resolved, and agro tourism can be introduced gradually and piecemeal. It all depends on the farmers’ determination and the effective marketing techniques used to sell the idea to weekend visitors.  

Acknowledgement

There is no any the funding sources to conduct this research

Conflict of Interest

There is no any conflict of interest including any financial, personal or other relationships with other people or organizations that can influence their work.

Funding Sources

There is no funding sources

• Deepika Chadda (2012). Socio-economic implications of agri tourism in India. International Conference on Innovation, Trade and Economics– ICITE. Hong Kong: International Economics Development and Research Center, 151-155.
• Hamilpurkar, S. (2012). Agritourism in Karnataka: Issues, constraints and possibilities. International Journal for Research in Commerce, Economics and Management, 2(7): 106-112.
• Haque, Md. A. and Islam, F. (2015). Problems and prospects of tourism industry at Sylhet region in Bangladesh. IOSR Journal of Research and Method in Education, 5(5): 23-32.
• Jagtap, M. D., Nichit, M. B. and Benke, S. R. (2010). Agro-tourism: the performance, problems and prospects for the farmers in Maharashtra. International Journal of Commerce and Business Management, 3(1):153- 156
• Sengar Priya (2017). Prospects of women entrepreneur’s challenges and their problems in Rajasthan (India). International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, 4(11):168-172.
• Shinde, H. R. (2019). Performance of agro tourism centers in Ratnagiri district (M.S.): an economic analysis. M.Sc., (Agri.) Thesis Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra

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Maharashtra Tourism's Ambitious Plan to Boost Travel and Trade

• "We Need to Change Our Perspective While Looking at Tourism as an Industry," said Girish Mahajan • Launches WhatsApp Chatbot to provide Information about Tourism Destinations in Maharashtra • Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra launches an App for the 'Aai Tourism Policy' for Women Entrepreneurs MUMBAI, India, Feb. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, the leading authority responsible for promoting tourism in the state, announced its ambitious plan to enhance travel and trade opportunities in Maharashtra. Recognizing the region's tremendous potential, Maharashtra Tourism aims to leverage its unique cultural, historical, and natural assets to attract domestic and international visitors while promoting business and trade collaborations within the state. With its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich heritage, Maharashtra has long been a sought-after destination for travellers and explorers. The state boosts iconic landmarks such as the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, the breathtaking hill stations of Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar, the ancient Ajanta and Ellora caves, and the serene beaches of Alibaug and Tarkarli. By showcasing Maharashtra's immense beauty and cultural richness, the Department of Tourism intends to position the state as a must-visit destination for tourists from across the globe. Mr. Girish Mahajan, Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, today launched an AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot (+91 94038 78864) that provides an interactive and informative way to explore the state's rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and diverse attractions, all through the convenience of mobile phones. The chatbot can answer the questions about destinations, things to do, accommodation, and more, in both English and Marathi, making trip planning a breeze. While unlocking Maharashtra's tourism potential demands strategic investments in infrastructure, hospitality, and technology, Mr. Girish Mahajan, Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, said, "Seamless connectivity, from roadways to air routes, beckons travellers to explore our diverse landscapes. Varied accommodations, from luxury resorts to cosy homestays, cater to all preferences. Embracing digital tools enriches visitor experiences and streamlines services. Yet, sustainability must underpin our efforts, preserving our heritage and supporting local communities. Our journey isn't just economic—it's about showcasing Maharashtra's soul to the world, fostering understanding and appreciation. Let's unite the government, private sector, communities, and citizens to craft a vibrant, sustainable tourism legacy for generations." Commenting on the initiatives by Maharashtra Tourism, Ms. Jayshree Bhoj, Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, said, "In Maharashtra, we treasure a tapestry of tourism treasures, from historical marvels to pristine beaches, all ingrained with our rich cultural heritage. As we stride towards 2024-2025 with aspirations of UNESCO recognition for 11 forts, we affirm our commitment to fostering tourism beyond mere travel. Our Department of Tourism diligently crafts policies, amplifies promotions and nurtures diverse experiences in collaboration with stakeholders like MTDC and private players championing niche tourism. We envision a sustainable tourism ecosystem fueled by collaborative efforts and robust policies. Join us on this journey as we sculpt Maharashtra's tourism narrative together, with an open invitation for valuable insights to shape our forthcoming comprehensive tourism policy." Mr. Girish Mahajan, Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, also launched an app for the Aai Policy (https://maharashtratourism.gov.in/aai-register/). The Aai Policy, introduced by the Government of Maharashtra, aims to empower women entrepreneurs in tourism. Under this initiative, the Department of Tourism plans to register ten women-owned and operated businesses in each district, spanning various sectors such as homestays, hotels/restaurants, tour and travel agencies, and more. This policy is designed to foster entrepreneurship and economic empowerment among women in the tourism industry across Maharashtra. While taking the delegates through the proposed Tourism Policy, Dr. B N Patil, Director, Directorate of Tourism, said, "Maharashtra's tourism sector offers significant revenue and job opportunities, with over 5 million jobs generated. To maximize tourist footfall and spending, we're focusing on strategic initiatives such as rebranding hidden gems, promoting local festivals, and streamlining policies. Through innovation and collaboration, we aim to unlock Maharashtra's tourism potential, driving economic prosperity for all stakeholders." As part of the panel discussion on Unleashing Tourism Potential in Maharashtra, moderated by Swati Khandelwal Jain, Executive Editor, Zee Business, the panellists, Mr. Santosh Suryanvanshi, MD (Ayurveda) P.G.C.C (Pancakrarma Therapy); Mr. Chandan Badsavle, Director, Saguna Baug Agro Tourism Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Vistasp Kharas, Paragliding Profile and Interior Architect; Mr. Sachin Panchal, Founder, Motohom Caravans, spoke about how Maharashtra's diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage hold immense potential for tourism growth. The state can unlock new avenues for visitor engagement by leveraging niche sectors like agri-tourism, wellness, and adventure tourism. Agri-tourism offers immersive experiences in rural life, farm stays, and culinary delights, showcasing Maharashtra's agrarian roots. Ayurveda tourism taps into ancient healing traditions, attracting wellness seekers to rejuvenate amidst serene surroundings. Adventure tourism capitalizes on Maharashtra's natural beauty, offering thrilling escapades like trekking, water sports, and wildlife safaris. Through strategic promotion and infrastructure development, Maharashtra can position itself as a premier destination, catering to diverse traveller interests and boosting economic prosperity. Recognizing the potential of tourism to drive economic development, Maharashtra Tourism is committed to facilitating investments and business partnerships in the state. The tourism board will actively engage with industry leaders, chambers of commerce, and trade associations to foster trade opportunities across hospitality, travel, food and beverage sectors, and handicrafts. Through targeted initiatives and promotional campaigns, Maharashtra Tourism aims to attract entrepreneurs and investors to explore the state's vast potential and untapped opportunities. Maharashtra Tourism's ambitious plan to boost travel and trade opportunities aligns with the state government's vision to position Maharashtra as a global hub for tourism and commerce. By leveraging its natural and cultural wealth, the tourism board aims to create a thriving ecosystem that benefits visitors and residents, ultimately contributing to the economic growth and prosperity of the state. About Maharashtra Tourism: Directorate of Tourism, the flagship body of Maharashtra Tourism, looks after introducing and implementing various tourism schemes, promotions and publicity to boost tourism in the State. Since the inception of the Directorate of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, the State has attained several milestones and bagged numerous accomplishments with the help of various initiatives. For more information about Maharashtra Tourism and its initiatives, please visit https://maharashtratourism.gov.in/. Follow us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaharashtraTourismOfficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maharashtratourismofficial/ (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)

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Maharashtra Tourism's Ambitious Plan to Boost Travel and Trade

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First Published: Feb 19 2024 | 11:30 PM IST

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Maldives to hold roadshows in India to woo tourists back amid strained ties

A maldivian tourist body is planning to conduct roadshows in indian cities to regain indian tourists lost amid the strained diplomatic relations..

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• A Maldivian tourism body is planning roadshows in India
• The Maldives wants to woo back Indian tourists
• Country saw significant drop in Indian tourists amid diplomatic row

As the number of Indian tourists arriving in the Maldives continues to decline amid the strained diplomatic relations between the two countries, a major tourism body in the island nation has announced that they will hold roadshows across Indian cities to woo back Indian tourists.

The Maldives faced severe backlash and a boycott campaign after multiple Maldivian officials, including Ministers, used derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Mod i in January after he compared Lakshadweep to the Maldives upon his visit to the Union Territory.

The plans to enhance travel and tourism cooperation, including conducting the roadshows, were announced by the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) following a discussion with the Indian High Commissioner in Male on April 8.

“MATATO expressed its intention to collaborate closely with the Indian High Commission in Maldives to bolster tourism initiatives. Plans are underway to launch a comprehensive roadshow across key cities in India and to facilitate influencer and media familiarisation trips to the Maldives in the forthcoming months,” the tourism body said in a statement.

The association noted that India remains a vital market for Maldivian tourism, adding that they look forward to partnering with prominent travel associations and industry stakeholders across India to further promote the Maldives as a premier travel destination.

According to official data released by the Maldives Ministry of Tourism, the country witnessed a notable drop in the number of Indian travellers visiting the island nation following the diplomatic row. In 2023, out of over 17 lakh tourists who visited the Maldives, the majority were Indians (2,09,198), followed by Russians and Chinese. However, in the weeks following the diplomatic tensions, the number of Indians has slipped to fifth position.

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