Month-long promotion to attract tourists to state

In an effort to provide a glimpse of rich heritage of the state,the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) along with the India Tourism office kicked off a month-long promotional event — Explore the Incredible Maharashtra — on Tuesday. According to the organisers,local specialities and artefacts will be on display at the India Tourism office near Churchgate station from 10. 30 am to 5 pm every Friday. “Exclusive art and traditional craft works will be on display along with dance and music performances,” said Vijay Chavan,general manager,MTDC. Trimurti,the Maharashtra State Emporium,will open a stall in the office exhibiting artefacts of the state. Artisans will be setting up stalls to exhibit Warli and Paithani products also.

Chavan said the state had seen a decline in the number of tourists following the 26/11 terror attacks and an event of this sort would help bring in more tourists to the state. “Ganeshotsav coupled with this event will boost tourism in the state. There will be at least 10-15 % rise in the number of tourists this season,” he added.

Tourists will get to see the haldi-kumkum tradition and can interact with bangle-sellers and folk and traditional performers of the state.

From October 2009 onwards,India Tourism will organise more similar programmes every month,said Sujata Thakur,regional director,India Tourism,Mumbai (Western Region).