MTDC is looking to give Mumbai a makeover to increase tourist footfalls; green areas like the national park and the Aarey milk colony might get a boost
Looks like the City Of Dreams is going to get a revamp. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is looking for new ways to develop tourism circuits in Mumbai.
Lighting up of the CST station and other historical monuments is one of the ideas mooted to increase the tourist flow in the city. File Pic
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The tourism officials, along with industry experts, mulled over various ideas that could help woo more tourists in a meeting held in the first week of this month. Leading the list was creating tourism zones like Clarke Quay in Singapore and Covent Garden in London, where people could get round-the-clock entertainment like night bazaars where they could eat, drink and dance through the night. Areas like Bandra and Kala Ghoda were discussed as possible venues for the same. Also, lighting up historic buildings in the city like BMC headquarters, Mumbai University, CST, among others, was also said to be a good idea.
“We had held many meetings with the Chief Minister. He is now showing a lot of interest in promoting Maharashtra, nationally and internationally. We have put forth our plans. The government is also looking for potential tourism in green areas like Borivli National Park and Aarey Colony etc. Modernisation of Taraporewalla aquarium is also likely to take place,” said Kamlesh Barot, ex-president Hotel and Restaurant Association. “Apart from that, festival and religious tourism is also on cards,” he added.
According to sources, the hoteliers also spoke about how the exorbitant entertainment tax has led to stifling of Mumbai nightlife. During the meeting, the government was also asked to promote music concerts and performances in the city. They gave the example of Dubai where six concerts were held only in the month of December. “Over 800 musicians have lost their jobs already because of the exorbitant tax,” a hotel owner pointed out. The government will have to get the nightlife back if they want a boost in tourism and it can only be done by organising more concerts in Mumbai.”u00a0
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