‘Foreign tourists prefer Maharashtra over other states’

Maharashtra emerges to be the most preferred state among foreign nationals, according to the recent study by the Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) forum.

According to the forum, the number of foreign tourists coming to India increased by 8.85% in 2011, while those visiting Maharashtra has grown up by 24.7%.

After Maharashtra, it is Tamil Nadu which remains a preferred location among foreign tourists. The state has witnessed a growth of 17.3% in the last year. The also states that during the festive season the number of foreigners visiting the country witnesses a significant rise, especially in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat and West Bengal.

Moushami Kose, manager of publicity and public relation of Maharashtra tourism development corporation, said, “We are witnessing a rise in number of foreign tourists visiting Maharashtra and in 2011, 24.7% rise in foreign tourists was witnessed.”

Speaking about the popular destinations in Maharashtra, G Ibrahim, executive director, TTF said, “Apart from the big cities like Mumbai and Pune, most of the tourists coming to Maharashtra are interested in visiting Ajanta Ellora, Lonar Crator in Buldhana, Tarkarli, Ganpatipule and Kolhapur.”

Sensing this popularity as a tourists, attraction, TTF has organised a travel and tourism fair for the first time in Pune from September 14 to September 16. Ibrahim said, “ We are organising this fair in association with MTDC. Representatives of travel companies from India and abroad will be present at the fair.”