Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation celebrates ‘World Tourism Day 2016’with UNWTO, Madrid

–          MTDC hosted Experiential Tourism Conclave at Jai Hind College

–          MTDC launched 2 new destinations in the state – Bhodhalkasa and Kunkeshwar

–          MTDC organizes Mumbai Darshan for differently-abled  children

 L-R - Smt. Swati Kale, GM of MTDC; Shri. Satish Soni, JMD of MTDC; Dr. K.H. Govind Raj IAS, MD of MTDC; Smt. Valsa Nair Singh IAS, Principal Secretary, Tourism & Cultural, Government of Maharashtra & Shri. Jaykumar Jitendrasinh Rawal, Hon'ble Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra celebrating World Tourism Day at Jai Hind College

L-R – Smt. Swati Kale, GM of MTDC; Shri. Satish Soni, JMD of MTDC; Dr. K.H. Govind Raj IAS, MD of MTDC; Smt. Valsa Nair Singh IAS, Principal Secretary, Tourism & Cultural, Government of Maharashtra & Shri. Jaykumar Jitendrasinh Rawal, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra celebrating World Tourism Day at Jai Hind College


September 27, 2016 Mumbai ( GPN ) : Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) celebrated ‘World Tourism Day 2016’on 27th September, 2016 with UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) with this year’s theme being “Tourism for All -Promoting Universal Accessibility”. MTDC organized various initiatives to highlight tourism’s social, cultural, political and economic value of the state. For the first time the World Tourism day celebrations of MTDC were recognized by UNWTO Madrid. An array of programmes had been planned by MTDC at Mumbai Head office and regional offices at Aurangabad, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Ratnagiri, Nasik and Amravati.

On Tuesday, 27th September, MTDC felicitated tourists arriving at resorts, regional offices, airport, tourist destinations, railway stations, tourist informative counters etc across areas where MTDC is present with a traditional welcome and also provided information kit. This also included Aukshan, tying of turban and flowers being given by MTDC employees and display of UNWTO theme banner on all MTDC properties throughout the state. MTDC in association with Raconteur Walks, Mumbai also organized a Heritage walk of South Mumbai for the enthusiasts who registered, along with Dr. K.H. Govind Raj IAS, Managing Director of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation; Shri. Satish Soni; Joint Managing Director of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation and Senior Tourism officials. These activities resonated in the memory of tourists as an enthralling day of warmth and affection.

L-R - Shr. Satish Soni, JMD of MTDC & Dr. K.H Govind Raj, MD of MTDC at the Heritage Walk in South Mumbai on the occassion of World Tourism Day

L-R – Shr. Satish Soni, JMD of MTDC & Dr. K.H Govind Raj, MD of MTDC at the Heritage Walk in South Mumbai on the occassion of World Tourism Day


On World Tourism Day, MTDC also hosted an ‘Experiential Tourism Conclave’ at Jai Hind College which was inaugurated by Shri. Jaykumar Jitendrasinh Rawal, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra in the presence of Smt. Valsa Nair Singh IAS, Principal Secretary, Tourism & Cultural, Government of Maharashtra and Dr. K.H. Govind Raj IAS, Managing Director of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. There was an official release of two research papers of Tourism Research and Development department of MTDC; release of Mahabhraman (Experiential Tourism) pocket guide and MTDC resort brochure. The conclave also invited six expert speakers from different walks of life who shared their experiences in the field of tourism.

The state tourism also launched two new tourist destinations, Bhodhalkasa and Kunkeshwar in the state of Maharashtra and subsequent opening of MTDC resorts and facilities at all these places.

MTDC also inaugurated free Mumbai Darshan Tour for differently-abled children of Advitya organization that seeks to provide vocational training to mentally challenged individuals. The tour commenced from Dadar and children got to experience the iconic places of Mumbai like Bandra Band stand, Juhu Chawpaty and Kala Ghoda to name a few.

Commenting on this occasion, Shri. Jaykumar Jitendrasinh Rawal, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra stated, “On the occasion of World Tourism Day, this year’s theme being the theme being “Tourism for All -Promoting Universal Accessibility”, our aim is to spread the importance and benefits of accessibility to constantly add value to our tourist experiences. The land of Maharashtra showcases some of the best temples, forts, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, tiger reserves, historic monuments and world heritage sites. With the launch of these two destinations, we aspire to get socially engaged and promote Maharashtra as an outstanding tourist destination.”

Shri. Madan Madhukarrao Yerawar, Hon’ble, State Tourism Minister, Government of Maharashtra stated,” It is an honour to be recognized by the by UNWTO Madrid on this special occasion of World Tourism Day. Through these events and initiatives we aim to spread the culture and diversity of the state. The theme this year is “Tourism for All -Promoting Universal Accessibility”, we also urge the sector to address the demand of universal accessible tourism products which will eventually benefit the tourism sector and society at large.”       

Smt. Valsa Nair Singh IAS, Principal Secretary, Tourism & Cultural, Government of Maharashtra stated, “Maharashtra is the land of prosperity, culture, spirituality which has gained growing global recognition as it has preserved its traditions in the wake of advanced industrialization. World Tourism Day is celebrated worldwide on September 27th every year to raise awareness amongst the international community on the importance of tourism. With the objective of sensitizing tourism fraternity and public at large, we look forward to this occasion every year to promote the states’ tourism capabilities and the beauty in its region to the world.”

Dr. K.H. Govind Raj IAS, Managing Director of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation stated, “We organized an array of initiatives which will showcase the untapped beauty and unlimited tourism potential of the state. The aim is to showcase Maharashtra as a world-class tourist destination. This year’s theme being “Tourism for All -Promoting Universal Accessibility” for World Tourism day is all about tourism being accessed by all. Keeping the theme in mind, MTDC organized special Mumbai Darshan Tours for differently-abled children.”

About the Author

Sachin Murdeshwar
Sachin Murdeshwar is a Sr.Journalist and Columnist in several Mainline Newspapers and Portals.He is an ardent traveller and likes to explore destinations to the core.