Maharashtra gears up to promote tourism

The state is all set to promote tourism and has formed a Hospitality Development and Promotion Board.

This was announced by Chhagan Bhujbal, minister for tourism, while inaugurating Hospitality, Food & Tourism India (HFTI) on Thursday.

The board, formed under the Tourism Policy 2006, will function as a single window for speedy clearances such as proposals, permits, subsidies and transition.

“There are ample avenues for investment in Maharashtra in the hospitality segment, which need to be explored. Once hoteliers come there, more facilities and infrastructure will be available attracting more tourists,” Bhujbal said.

The three-day trade show is being held at Nehru Centre, Worli, till October 1. It is being organised by HRAWI as a one-stop platform for hospitality, food and beverage, bars, educational institutions and travel industry by providing solutions for its hoteliers, restaurateurs, facility managers, prospective students, tour operators, distributors and suppliers with over 100 exhibitors.

“The vision this year was to enroll every participant, who shared this perspective of making HFTI a world-class exhibition by the industry, for the industry,” said Kamlesh Barot, president, HRAWI.

Chetan Mehta, Co Chairman, HFTI 2011, said, “HRAWI is organizing this trade show for the first time for the benefit of its members. It wants to bring all its members especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities closer to the vendors, suppliers, consultants, technology companies and so on.”