The Maharashtra cabinet on Tuesday, May 30, approved implantation of ‘Aai’, which is state’s gender inclusive tourism policy. This development comes to empower women in the tourism business.
Similarly, approval was also given to start women’s bike-taxi services at some tourist spots in the state.
This policy will be implemented through the Directorate of Tourism (DoT) and Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) in coordination with various schemes of other departments. For this, a Women Tourism Policy Cell will be created in the (DoT), officials said.
Moreover, the five principles of women entrepreneurship development, infrastructure for women, prioritising the safety of women tourists, customised products for women tourists, and discounts and travel and tourism development will be adopted.
A task force will be formed under the chairmanship of tourism minister for effective implementation of this policy, the official added.
Additionally, a decision was also made that on the occasion of International Women’s Day, every year from March 1 to 8, all the resorts/units of MTDC will provide a 50 per cent discount on online booking for a total of 30 days in a year to all women tourists.
It is pertinent to note that Tourism minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha had said the tourism department is looking to create one lakh employment opportunities through new initiatives.