Mumbai: Maharashtra is gearing up to establish a dedicated ‘tourism zone’ near the upcoming Navi Mumbai international airport, aimed at bolstering tourism and hospitality in the state. Spanning across 1,000 acres near the growth hubs of Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad, this zone will feature a diverse array of facilities including hotels, amusement parks, restaurants, and tourism-related training institutes.
The initiative forms a key component of Maharashtra’s draft tourism policy, which is soon to be presented before the state cabinet for approval. Highlighting the strategic location near the Navi Mumbai international airport, officials anticipate the zone to become a pivotal attraction within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. It aims to cater not only to domestic and international tourists but also to serve as a hub for skill development in the hospitality sector.
“The draft policy outlines provisions for allocating land and developing a comprehensive tourism zone near the Navi Mumbai airport,” stated a spokesperson from the state tourism department. “This zone will encompass various entertainment options, hotels, and crucially, a dedicated institute for hotel management and training. This step is essential to meet the growing demand for skilled manpower within the private sector.” The policy also emphasises on experimental tourism activities such as adventure tourism, rural tourism, wellness tourism, and community tourism, underscoring Maharashtra’s commitment to diversifying its tourism offerings. Furthermore, it introduces streamlined processes like single-window clearance for hospitality projects, aiming to facilitate smoother investments and developments in the sector. In addition to infrastructure development, Maharashtra plans to enhance tourist safety and experience through the introduction of a specialised ‘tourism police’ corps. Comprising ex-servicemen trained in tourist assistance, this dedicated force will be deployed across key tourist areas to ensure a secure and welcoming environment for visitors.
Maharashtra, a magnet for both domestic and foreign tourists, recorded 43.57 million domestic visitors and 190,000 international tourists in 2021, according to the India Tourism Statistics-2022 report. With its strategic initiatives like the tourism zone near Navi Mumbai airport, the state aims to further elevate its tourism appeal and contribute significantly to the hospitality sector’s growth. As consultations with stakeholders conclude, Maharashtra’s tourism policy is poised to pave the way for sustainable tourism development, positioning the state as a premier destination for both leisure and business travellers alike. The establishment of the tourism zone near Navi Mumbai airport underscores Maharashtra’s proactive stance in harnessing tourism potential and fostering economic prosperity through strategic infrastructure investments.
