SUDIPTA DEV – Mumbai
The inaugural session of the 28th annual convention of Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) in Mumbai saw Maharashtra chief minister, Prithviraj Chavan, make a number of major announcements that will give a fillip to tourism in the state. One of the key decisions is creation of a cruise terminal. “I am happy to announce that there will be an international quality cruise terminal to give a whole new dimension to tourism in Mumbai. We will also be able to give you a good news very soon regarding the issue of luxury tax and reduction of tax on ATF,” said Chavan. The state is also focused on ensuring that the foreign tourists who come to Mumbai before heading to other destinations in India are made to stay for a longer duration in Maharashtra and explore its many attractions. One of the key projects to ensure this is leveraging the magic of Bollywood. “Plans are in an active stage to open a Bollywood Museum in Mumbai,” mentioned Chavan.
To help the hotel and restaurant industry the number of permissions required to open an eating outlet will be reduced. “We are also trying to sort out the issue regarding bars and nightclubs in Mumbai,” added Chavan. Convention tourism will be developed in Mumbai, Pune, Aurangabad and Nagpur.
“We are now really focused on making Maharashtra a prime tourism destination, there is a world class experience we can offer,” he said. Earlier in the day, the CM had a breakfast meeting with the executive committee of IATO.
