After successful implementation of the pilot project, caravan tourism will be promoted at select prime spots within the state to facilitate eco tours, nature trails and experiential tourism.
The state tourism department is planning to create designated caravan parks in hilly and coastal areas in an attempt to promote 'caravan tourism' across Maharashtra. This will give tourists a new experience in outdoor tourism.
"We are working on a caravan tourism policy. Under this, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) can purchase and deploy caravans at various sites or tie-up with private operators who have such vehicles," a senior MTDC official told DNA.
The official added that some possible sites or caravan parks where such camper vans, recreational vehicles and motor homes could be deployed include beaches, forest areas and plains. These can also be stationed at the various land parcels owned by the MTDC across Maharashtra.
A senior state tourism department official said that the MTDC could execute the policy on a PPP mode to avoid a heavy financial outgo.
According to the Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2016, the MTDC and the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM) "will select pilot sites within MTDC property and Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra to set up a pilot caravan tourism project. After successful implementation of the pilot project, caravan tourism will be promoted at select prime spots within the state to facilitate eco tours, nature trails and experiential tourism."
The policy stated that the state government's department of tourism will formulate a strategy to promote, facilitate and incentivize the development of caravan parks in the public and private sector and PPP mode. "For the development of caravan parks, MTDC may enter in to a PPP/JV mode with private players, wherein, it will provide equity in the form of its available land bank. The private players will help MTDC in developing essential infrastructure in the park," it added.
The tourism department will also formulate guidelines for safety measures, site development and essential services.
According to the Economic Survey of Maharashtra 2016-17, Maharashtra had 17 crore tourists visit it in 2015-16, of which 16.6 crore were domestic and 40 lakh were foreigners.
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