Reema Lokesh – Mumbai
Ashwani Lohani can be credited for reshaping the working and functioning of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (MPTDC) in his previous tenure. Under his leadership, the corporation gained visibility and prominence both nationally and internationally. As Lohani takes charge once again as commissioner tourism and managing director of MPTDC, he is ready to take the corporation to new levels of growth. Speaking exclusively to Express TravelWorld, Lohani stated, “I have always believed that it is my work that should speak and today I am clear that I want MPTDC to work better than the private sector. What we achieved in the past has been recognised but there is a lot of work that needs to be done for a better future. We are completely focused and should achieve what I hope to.”
Connectivity, infrastructure improvement is of priority in his plan both in terms of land and air connectivity. He gave the example of Khajuraho as a region, wherein he feels a destination as rich in heritage as Khajuraho needs its share of effective connectivity especially gateway cities like New Delhi and Mumbai and other metros as well.
He also believes that the success of the tourism board and the destination can take place only if issues at the grassroots level are addressed and | resolved. People participation is the key and those on the ground need to be involved and supportive of any development.
He concluded with a very clear message, “Our team is here to work and you will see some positive developments in the coming future.”