Girish Mahajan: Prioritizing tourist facilities in Maharashtra

Thursday, January 25, 2024

The Government of Maharashtra’s Directorate of Tourism (DoT), in collaboration with Mumbai Festival 2024, organized a dynamic Tourism Conclave as a key element of the cultural extravaganza. This event brought together eminent industry leaders, experts, and policymakers to discuss global tourism opportunities and deliberate on sustainable practices within the tourism sector. The Conclave featured substantial discussions, presentations, and networking sessions centered around the strategic development of Mumbai’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, events, wedding industry, tourism, hotels, and venues.

Integral to the festival, the Conclave fostered a robust discussion on sustainable practices in the tourism industry, emphasizing the city’s commitment to responsible travel and environmental conservation. It served as a crucial platform for policymakers, analysts, and industry leaders to explore the transformative potential of Mumbai’s tourism. Keynote speakers, including Shri Girish Mahajan, the Honorable Tourism Minister of Maharashtra, and Dia Mirza, Global Ambassador for the UNSDGs, highlighted the significance of sustainable tourism and aligned Mumbai’s objectives with global initiatives.

Esteemed participants, such as Mrs. Jayshree Bhoj, Dr. B.N. Patil, and Mrs. Shraddha Joshi Sharma, contributed diverse perspectives, presenting a distinguished lineup of speakers representing various sectors of the tourism industry. Sustainability advocates like Umit Bhatia of JLL and industry pioneers such as Prashant Pitti of EaseMyTrip shared insightful perspectives, collectively envisioning the future of Mumbai’s tourism. Contributions from leaders at renowned organizations, including Hyatt Hotels Corporation, PwC, Thomas Cook, IHCL, SOTC, and Sterling Holidays, reflected a commitment to driving sustainable growth and innovation in Mumbai’s tourism landscape.

Shri Girish Mahajan emphasized the role of tourism in elevating Maharashtra’s economy and urged collective efforts for green and sustainable tourism. Mrs. Jayashree Bhoj highlighted Maharashtra’s forefront position in sustainable tourism and Dia Mirza emphasized the importance of India’s ‘Travel for LIFE’ program in promoting sustainable tourism.

Wiz Sabbas Joseph highlighted the Tomorrow’s Startup Challenge as a pivotal moment in the entrepreneurial landscape, emphasizing India’s commitment to fostering innovation. Dietmar Kielnhofer, General Manager and Area Vice President of Grand Hyatt Mumbai, celebrated the hotel’s 20-year journey and announced a collaboration with the Mumbai Festival to showcase Mumbai as a premier destination.

Dr. B.N. Patil delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and partners. Key highlights of the Tourism Conclave included discussions on global perspectives, alignment with Mission LiFE and ‘Travel for Life,’ and a focus on collaboration and growth within Mumbai’s tourism sectors. The Mumbai Festival 2024 expressed heartfelt gratitude for the success of the Tourism Conclave, reinforcing its dedication to promoting Mumbai as a vibrant and sustainable tourist destination.

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