Tuesday, August 13, 2024
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Maharashtra’s tourism policy boosts cruise and houseboat tourism, leveraging waterways to draw more visitors and revitalize the state’s travel industry.
On July 17, the state government unveiled a new tourism strategy aimed at revitalizing the tourism sector in Maharashtra. This policy focuses on enhancing cruise and houseboat tourism across the state, signaling a significant push towards leveraging Maharashtra’s rich waterways to attract more tourists.
Under this new policy, the government plans to develop cruise and waterways tourism in several key regions, including Konkan, Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, and other cities. To ensure the successful implementation of this initiative, a meeting was held on August 8, during which the tourism department resolved to appoint a panel of experts. These experts will be tasked with identifying potential sites and crafting a comprehensive plan for the development of waterways tourism. Additionally, the panel will explore sustainable options for cruise tourism, ensuring that the growth in this sector aligns with environmental considerations.
A major aspect of this policy is the promotion of tourism in coastal areas. The state aims to develop jetty spots at eight strategic locations along the coastline, including popular destinations such as Alibaug, Murud-Janjira, Ganpati Pule, and Dapoli. By enhancing infrastructure in these areas, the government hopes to boost tourism and create new opportunities for economic growth in these coastal regions.
Furthermore, the policy outlines plans to develop cruise tourism on rivers like the Godavari and Narmada, which maintain a consistent flow throughout the year. This initiative is expected to open up new avenues for river tourism, attracting both domestic and international tourists to experience Maharashtra’s scenic river landscapes from the comfort of a cruise.
In addition to river cruises, the state government is keen on introducing floating houseboat tourism. This initiative will focus on integrating houseboats into small and medium-scale dam projects, as well as select rivers in cities like Pune, Nashik, and Nagpur. By diversifying the types of water-based tourism available, the government aims to cater to a broader range of tourist preferences, thus boosting overall tourism numbers.
Overall, this new tourism policy represents a comprehensive effort by the Maharashtra government to capitalize on the state’s natural waterways. Through careful planning and sustainable development, the state aims to transform its coastal and river tourism sectors, offering unique experiences that are both eco-friendly and economically beneficial.
