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Maharashtra: MTDC eyes tie up with Airbnb to promote unique tourism experiences

Maharashtra minister of tourism Jaykumar Rawal said a MoU is likely to be signed next week.

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Fancy staying in a cottage overlooking the picturesque backwaters of the Savitri river at Chiplun where crocodiles sun themselves, or stay in one of the bed and breakfast accommodations offering an authentic experience of Konkani hospitality? Or perhaps spend time in the midst of coconut, mango and betel nut groves while hitching a ride on a bullock cart in a farm at Baramati or discover the hidden secrets of Mumbai through heritage, bazaar and food walks in the city?

The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) will open up such experiences for international and domestic tourists by tying up with global hospitality online aggregator Airbnb to promote these unique tourism experiences ranging from eco-tourism to safaris, tribal lifestyles and handicrafts.

Jaykumar Rawal, Maharashtra minister of tourism, told DNA that they were planning to tie up with Airbnb to make such activity-based tourism projects available on a global platform. “We have held primary discussions… a MoU is likely to be signed next week,” said Rawal, who held a meeting on Monday.

“We are also looking at promoting these locations and also for training (stakeholders). This will help us know the global practices,” he added.

A senior MTDC official said that the tie-up would promote development in rural areas.

“The MTDC has three verticals, namely bed and breakfast options, Mahabramhan (experimental tourism) and our own resorts, which can be marketed to a global audience. This will promote tourism in Maharashtra and pave the way for other state tourism entities to enter into such arrangements,” he noted.

The MTDC is the largest provider of bed and breakfast options in India, with around 1,400 such locations in its portfolio.

“Globally, around 90% of the tourism business has shifted online. We are changing our strategy accordingly,” he said, adding that the MTDC also had around 170 travel agents marketing it.

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