Maharashtra launches app

In preparation for tourism restart, Maharashtra’s Department of Tourism recently launched a mobile app for tourists and a revamped website.The cabinet recently approved a budget of `250 crore for tourism development in the state.

NishaVerma

Maharashtra Tourism recently launched its revamped website and a new mobile app dedicated to tourists. The new multilingual website is available in nine languages – English, Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, Telugu, French, Japanese and Spanish. The user-friendly website comprises information on around 350 destinations bifurcated theme-wise. The website is also compatible for physically challenged (blind) users. The mobile app which is 20MB in size is compatible on Android as well as iOS devices.

This is all part of the tourism plan after the cabinet recently approved a budget of Rs. 250 crore for the development of tourism. The tourism department also launched an extensive publicity campaign to promote tourism at the domestic and international level. On the occasion of World Tourism Day, Minister of Tourism Aaditya Thackeray, inaugurated on an Tourism’s new office in Navi Mumbai and six beautifully-painted tourism walls painted by local and professional artists at six locations in the state.

In order to ensure holistic development, Maharashtra Tourism had announced a unique ‘Online IITF Tourism Facilitator Certification Programme (Guide Training)’ in February 2021 for individuals who, as trained tour guides, could showcase the essence of Maharashtra to travellers.

So far, the programme has received over 700 registered applicants from Maharashtra.The Directorate of Tourism (DoT), Government of Maharashtra had adopted the virtual guide training programme designed by the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), Government of India to become part of the bourgeoning tourism industry to serve as high quality tour guides at the state level. The World Tourism Day celebrations also included a heritage tour where MoUs were signed with Mumbai High Court and Mumbai University. With this MoU, tourists will be able to take a tour of the iconic high court building on non-working Saturdays and Sundays while the Mumbai University will be open for tourists on Sundays and public holidays. The tour will be conducted by TOGA (Tourist Guide Association) guides.