Maharashtra ties with Canada & Japan
The state has recently signed MoUs with Wakayama in Japan and Quebec in Canada to develop responsible and sustainable tourism. reports more on the state’s novel initiative...
To increase inbound tourism from Wakayama, we will also concentrate on the Buddhist Tourism segment as the Ajanta and Ellora caves are prime attractions for tourists from Japan.”
ANITA JAIN With an aim to enhance domestic tourism and bring in government policy reforms, many state governments in India have signed MoUs with other states. These understandings include tax benefits, rebates, low cost of travelling, etc. And such agreements have paid well for the states. Taking this one level up, Maharashtra Tourism is now partnering with international regions based in Western and Eastern side of the world for attracting tourists from both the sides.
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) recently signed an MoU with Quebec region in Canada and Wakayama region in Japan for promoting tourism activities and other initiatives. MoU with Quebec, Canada
MTDC has signed an MoU with the government of Quebec, Canada covering the cooperation between both the governments in field of sharing best practices for the development of responsible and sustainable tourism, especially in national parks. The MoU also covers sharing of resources and facilities in order to provide mutual assistance in tourism education and training for quality tourism development, hospitality, exchange of experts, tourist promotion management, development of eco- tourism, including collaboration with ministries responsible for natural parks, wildlife and conservation and promotion of MICE tourism. Apart from this, the MoU will establish cooperation in facilitating promotion of travel and tourist visits between Maharashtra and Quebec province. Other objectives of the MoU include obtaining mutual assistance in human resource development for the tourism sector.
MoU with Wakayama Prefecture, Japan
After signing MoU with Quebec for the Western world, MTDC turned focus on the Eastern side and signed an MoU with Wakayama Prefecture based in Japan.
The MoU is aimed at creating mutual cooperation between both states for expansion of tourism ties. Both des- tinations have also agreed to promote agro and food processing between local enterprises within the existing framework. Both parties are working towards increasing tourism inflow in Maharashtra and Wakayama through the agreement. Chhagan Bhujbal, Minister of Public Works & Special Assistance Department and Tourism, Government of Maharashtra said, “Both states have a strong foundation in natural beauty and culture. These are the aspects that we will be promoting.
On the other hand, Wakayama Prefecture showed keen interest in supporting to sanction the third phase of funding from Japan International Cooperation Agency to further develop Ajanta and Ellora.