Drought-hit: Maharashtra postpones SAARC tourism summit till August

The Centre has allowed 100 per cent FDIs in tourism sector.

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A senior official said, “ The Ministry of External Affairs had suggested us March for the event. But it was not possible because of the hectic budget session. Interim dates including Saturday and Sunday were also ruled out as it was not convenient for visiting foreign dignitaries.”Aurangabad is being developed as the state’s tourism capital.

As per principal secretary Valsa Nair Singh, “The decision to host the summit in Aurangabad is because the nearby Ajanta-Ellora caves have always remained the biggest tourism attraction in the state amongst foreigners and Indians. The historical silk route and connect of the place with the Buddhist circuit across world, including China, is significant. Ajanta also has one of the world’s best Visitor Centre complete with 16 to 17 life size replicas of Padmapani (sculptures of Buddha).”

In May 2015, during his visit to China, CM Devendra Fadnavis had signed a sister-cities agreement between Aurangabad and DunHuang to promote them as tourist cities.Both the cities have deep cultural similarities.

Maharashtra tour for NRI team

The state government is hosting a delegation of 40 NRIs across the world to explore Maharashtra on May 5 and 6. The Maharashtra visit is part of PM Narendra Modi’s initiative for the NRIs to “Know India”. NRIs aged 18-30 years will be given a tour of the state and made aware of the state’s economic growth, education scenario, art and culture and lifestyle.