In a major fillip to the tourism growth in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, both States have agreed in principle to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for promotion of tourism in the respective States. The announcement was made during the inauguration of Tourism Information and Reservation Centre of MTDC at Tourism Plaza in Hyderabad. MTDC had also held a road show to attract the tour operators of Andhra Pradesh to offer tourist destinations of Maharashtra.

Shri Chhagan Bhujbal, Honorable Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, said, “It would be a win-win situation for both State which share many similarities and complement well to each other’s culture. The tourists coming from other States can visit both States and that would be the core focus of this joint effort. Besides, we also would like to give message to the tourists and tour operators of Andhra Pradesh to explore the tourist destinations of Maharashtra which in itself is a wholesome experience.”

Ms Chandana Khan, Special Chief Secretary to Government (Tourism, Cultural Affairs & Archeology), Government of Andhra Pradesh, said, “Sharing border with Maharashtra provides several advantages. There are many tourists come from Maharashtra and similarly many tourists from Andhra Pradesh visit Maharashtra. If we can work together on increasing the number of tourists visiting both States, it would be a great boost to the industry in both States.”

MTDC also kick started its national marketing campaign from Hyderabad. Dr. Jagdish Patil, Managing Director, MTDC, said, “This new office in Hyderabad is second office of MTDC outside Maharashtra with the first being in Delhi. MTDC has been taking several progressive steps to encourage tourism in Maharashtra. Along with this new facility, we are also hosting a road-show for the tour operators to promote Maharashtra as a preferred tourist destination. It will be an interactive session with the tour operators about how best we can improve the number of tourists visiting from Andhra Pradesh to Maharashtra.”

Source : Prafull