Yusuf Poonawala

Head, Bharat Deko Cox & Kings

NEW OFFERINGS

The other destinations that are attracting MICE groups are Imagica, Lavasa and Ambey Valley. Imagica is an international standard theme park near Mumbai, Pune and Lonavala, Imagica Theme Park offers entertainment, fun, action, relaxation, dining and shopping at a single location. Lavasa, situated in the Western Ghats of Pune, makes a perfect tourist destination, because of its enchanting panorama.

Apart from its natural surroundings, it offers a plethora of activities like trekking, mountaineering, camping and water sports. Ambey Valley in Lonavala provides you with a soothing experience with a stay in lush-greenery.

However, the state needs to focus on strengthening the infrastructure in terms of making the destination more accessible, developing more venue options with adequate entertainment facilities and implementing single window clearance system to host an event at any venue.

LIQUOR POLICY OF THE STATE

As per the liquor policy of the state, the legal age for alcohol consumption is 25, and all residents of the state must obtain an alcohol permit to consume, transport, or possess up to 12 units of alcohol. Liquor can be served in hotels with liquor license for MICE groups.

TRUCK OVER BORDERS

a. The owner or person in charge or driver of a vehicle shall i. Carry with him a tax invoice or a bill of sale or a delivery note. ii. Produce the documents before any officer-in charge of check-post and give one copy of the bill of sale and delivery note to the said officer and retain with him the other copy until the termination of movement of goods. iii. On entering the state, report at the first situated check-post and while leaving the state report at the last situated check-post and give a declaration to the said officer regarding the goods carried in the vehicle.

b. If a vehicle is carrying taxable goods

i. The driver or any other person-in-charge of such vehicle shall furnish the prescribed information and obtain a transit pass, in duplicate, from the officer in charge of the first check-post after its entry into the state or after movement of such goods has commenced from the state.

ii. The driver or the person in charge of the vehicle shall deliver within the stipulated time a copy of the transit pass obtained, to the officer-in-charge at the last check-post before its exit from the state.

c. Octroi applicable in Maharashtra

TIER-2 CITIES MORE VIABLE

Due to developed infrastructure, as well as availability of logistical necessities like land and labour at reasonably cheaper rates compared to the metros, the Tier-2 are gaining more prominence. Pune, Aurangabad and Nagpur are the most prominent Tier 2 cities in Maharashtra which are poised to be the new growth centres for MICE business.

MTDC’S CHOPPER DARSHAN

MTDC’s chopper darshan has also evoked a very good response. There are private yachts available for tourist’s leisure trips in Mumbai Harbour.

Attractive hill stations, revered holy places, wildlife, gives Maharashtra an edge over the others