Maharashtra No. 1 State for its Tourism potential

Mumbai: The survey compiled by HVS in association with the World Travel & Tourism Council, India Initiative (WTTCII) rated Maharashtra after analysing the state-wise potential of Travel and Tourism in India, and assessing the relative competitiveness of different states in the country.

The evaluation has been carried out for 30 states. Maharashtra ranks 1 in this year's survey moving up one position from the previous edition. The state benefits from a strong economy, good infrastructure, presence of a sizeable quantum of branded hotel rooms and a variety of demand generators to occupy these rooms. In line with these factors, Maharashtra has recorded perfect scores in four parameters – tourist visits, GSDP per capita, effectiveness of marketing campaign and aircraft movement. The state has performed well across all other parameters with the exception of its expenditure on tourism.

Ms Valsa Nair Singh, Secretary State Tourism and Cultural Affairs, GoM, said, “We are proud of being ranked as No 1. This recognition is prestigious, as Travel and Tourism is an integral part of our economy and we are happy that we stand as number one in attracting tourists. This is a team effort, through innovative promotional campaigns, marketing strategies, planned - focused and aggressive ideas we have reached such milestones and we are motivated to do better every day. Our recent thumping success of MITM attracted global buyers and sellers and we are confident to grow over the magic numbers in coming years, making Maharashtra number one destination on the world map.”

As per the Tourism Highlights 2015 Edition report by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the total number of International Tourist Arrivals (ITA) worldwide was 1,133 million in 2014, India attracted 0.67% of the world's international tourist arrivals out of which Maharashtra attracted 4.5 million tourists from foreign countries and over 8.4 million domestic tourists, which is largest than any other state in the country.

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‘Women Spirit’ gets accolades in MITM 2015

Mumbai Sep 30: Women bring prosperity, not only to our home but to our Nation, said Hon’ble Minister for Finance, Planning and Forest, Shri Sudhir Mungantiwar while awarding women for their excellence in field of Tourism at MITM. The International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) awarded five distinguished women for their contribution in a unique manner to tourism industry. The IIPT Award carried a special significance, as it was hosted by a unique entity – IIPT – which works for promoting peace through tourism globally.

Ms. Anita Deshpande Malik was awarded for her outstanding performance of setting Temple Pilots and she set up the Paragliding Academy and taught 1000 women to practice paragliding and she has popularized paragliding sports in Kamshet, Pune. The Second Awardee Ms. Pamela Malhotra who started India’s first private sanctuary known as SAI Sanctuary spread over 300 acres. She won the Award for promoting eco-tourism in Coorg, Karnataka. Another winner, Ms. Rashmi Sawant created a cultural space for preserving values and tradition in the name of ‘Cultural Aangan’ in Sindhudurg. The Award was conferred for her contribution in promoting rural tourism.

Ms. Neelu Singhwas awarded for creating unique products targeting women tourists in her online portal ‘Ezeego1’ for Technology in tourism and actor Ms. Sampada Kulkarni for leaving her dynamic film career for giving job opportunities for locals in Ratnagiri district. She created ‘Anandache Shet’, which is on a global map, as it attracts many tourists from across the globe.

Congratulating women who won the award, Shri Sudhir Mungantiwar, Mister for Finance, Planning and Forest said, “Women bring prosperity to our life, house and Nation. I personally believe women should be awarded for their excellence in any field. In the field of tourism, they have proved to be the strongest pillars and catalysts for major growth in this industry. It feels great to be associated with IIPT for their initiative of felicitating women.”

Ms Valsa Nair Singh, Principal Secretary Tourism and Cultural Affairs, GoM at the award ceremony said, “IITP awards is a unique felicitation for actions which made a difference to the industry and we congratulate the winners today. Their work is remarkable and needs global recognition, we are glad that IITP is motivating people to do better day by day”.

Founded in 1986 - almost 30 years ago - IIPT (International Institute for Peace Through Tourism) is a not for profit organization. Working very closely with the UNWTO and various governments across the world, IIPT has undertaken very unique initiatives. It works to nurture peace, sustainable tourism, environmental protection and the preservation of indigenous cultures and traditional skills. It was born with a vision of making travel and tourism the ‘World’s First Global Peace Industry’. Its notion is that the travel and tourism industry promotes the belief that ‘Every traveller is potentially an Ambassador for Peace’.

The award ceremony was held on the day two of MITM 2015 with eminent dignitaries like Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Vidyasagar Rao, Hon’ble Minister for Finance, Planning and Forest, Shri Sudhir Mungantiwar, Hon’ble Minister of State for Tourism Maharashtra, Prof Shri Ram Shinde, Principal Secretary Tourism and Cultural Affairs Government of Maharashtra, Smt Valsa Nair Singh, Managing Director MTDC, Shri ParaagJaiinNainuttia and MLA Parag Alawani.

ITP, through its Indian Chapter, has been relentlessly working to encourage and develop domestic and inbound ethical tourism in India based on the principles of sustainability, preservation of indigenous environment, culture, public hygiene, protection and safety of women and children. In all its endeavour, IIPT has worked towards mobilizing the travel tourism industry as a leading force for poverty reduction.

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Devendra Fadanvis inaugurates Maharashtra International Travel Mart

Mumbai 28th September 2015: The Government of Maharashtra’s ambitious international tourism promotion project, Maharashtra International Travel Mart 2015 - popularly known as MITM – was launched today amid the huge number of buyers and sellers of the tourism industry from various countries. The first ever edition of MITM, which is set to take Maharashtra’s robust tourism growth story on a global level was launched today at the gracious hands of Hon. Shri Devendra Fadanvis, Chief Minister, Maharashtra State.

Among eminent dignitaries present at the occasion were Hon. Prof.Shri Ram Shinde, Minister of State for Tourism, Home (Rural), Public Health and Marketing, Hon. Shri Subhash Desai, Minister of Industries, Maharashtra State, Hon SmtVidya Thakur, Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Hon Shri GajananKirtikar, Member of Parliament, Shri Swadhin Kshatriya, IAS, Chief Secretary, Maharashtra Smt. Valsa Singh Nair, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism & Culture, Maharashtra State, Shri ParaagJaiinNainuttia, IAS, Managing Director, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC).

A three-day event, Maharashtra International Travel Mart is a flagship global tourism promotion platform conceived by the Department of Tourism, Maharashtra State to attract buyers and sellers of tourism industry from all across the globe to explore common growth opportunities in the robust tourism prospects of Maharashtra. A single forum of MITM witnessed an exciting response from the global tourism stakeholders with more than 250 registrations coming in from hoteliers, travel agents and tour operators from abroad and India.

A strategic promotional forum of MITM assumes a special significance; particularly when Maharashtra Tourism is going through an exciting phase with ever increasing footfalls from global and domestic tourists crossing the 4.5 million and the 8.4 million mark in the recent past. It also bears a great significance when the State Tourism Department and its flagship agency MTDC have been   strategically building and promoting the unexplored tourism wealth of Maharashtra besides boosting conventional tourism assets on Indian and global circuits.

On the occasion of the inauguration of the first edition of MITM, 2015, said SmtValsa Singh Nair, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Maharashtra State, “While the Government of Maharashtra is intending to bring the State tourism on a global map, it becomes imperative to build further on the existing credentials of the State as the most preferred tourism destination and explore avenues to consolidate its positioning. With vast tourism assets at disposal, it is an opportune time for the State to win a prominent position in a global tourism league. This is possible only when we build and expand a strong tourism buyer and seller network within the State, within the country and on a global level.”

Adding further, she said, “MITM is an endeavour to bring in the maximum number of tourism buyers and sellers on a single platform and empower them to explore economic growth opportunities in Maharashtra’s tourism sector. We are happy to witness such a promising response from buyers and sellers from the globe. We are sure to see a number of partnership, tie-ups happening among tour operators, hoteliers, travel agents. It will also pave the way to attract foreign investments in the sector.”

Shri ParaagJaiinNainuttia IAS, Managing Director MTDC, said, “MITM will help our dedicated campaign of ‘Unlimited Maharashtra’ to reach the next level on a global platform, as more buyers and sellers can witness the State’s tourism prospects. When the State is striving hard to ensure a fast-track growth in tourism sector, MITM will open up an array of economic opportunities for buyers and sellers that will strengthen the eco-system of the State’s tourism. The participation from global tourism players will allow the deliveries of world-class tourism products and services to the visitors enriching their experiences.

MITM will showcase to buyers and sellers economic opportunities in Maharashtra’s compelling tourism destinations, cultural festivals, beaches, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, pilgrimage destinations, wildlife, national parks, social and study tourism and few others. It will also host various seminars.

The Day One of the MITM witnessed over 2,000 footfalls and the number is expected to rise in coming two days. Among various stakeholders, many tour companies from the US, the UK, South Africa, France, Greece, Japan and Australia marked their presence.  

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Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis addresses Investors in New York

June 30, 2015 – New York- Today a group of U.S. industry executives from the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) met with the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis for a discussion about investment opportunities in the state.

Chief Minister Fadnavis engaged with senior business executives on important topics that have dominated the bilateral commercial relationship in recent months and addressed areas such as Maharashtra’s comparative edge as an investment destination, regulatory reform measures that have been undertaken by the government to promote ease of doing business in the state, and cultural dialogues that can enhance the bilateral relations between India and the United States.

Emphasizing the investment opportunities that are available in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Fadnavis said, “The Government has taken a variety of measures to promote ease of doing business in the state and we want to be viewed as a top destination for both domestic as well as international investments. The state eagerly awaits the formation of joint ventures in critical projects such as the Delhi - Mumbai Industrial corridor, Smart Cities and in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, aviation, engineering and IT. Our Government is committed to providing a boost to both Make in India and Make in Maharashtra campaigns, provide business to both medium and small enterprises and create much-needed jobs. We invite investors from the United States to be a part of Maharashtra’s growth story.”

Lauding the vision of Chief Minister Fadnavis, Mukesh Aghi, President of USIBC, said, “The Council’s member companies have been encouraged by the ease of doing business in Maharashtra. Many of the companies have significant investments in the state. Therefore, appropriate and timely policy measures are critical. USIBC and member companies look forward to participating in the state’s investment opportunities that will not only promote entrepreneurship, but also inclusive growth, positioning it as a model state both in India and globally. I have no hesitation in saying that the state has the potential to emerge as a high ranking state on the ease of doing business index.”

Ashok Vasudevan, Chairman and CEO of Preferred Brands International, manufacturer and marketer of the natural foods brand, Tasty Bite, said, “Tasty Bite has been operating in Maharashtra since the early 90’s and has become one of India’s largest exporter of prepared foods. The state is remarkably resilient due to its diversified base of industry that includes energy, agriculture, food processing, entertainment, engineering, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and financial services. The infrastructure, a mature workforce, a series of business friendly administrations over the last few decades makes it an attractive FDI destination.”

The event was also attended by companies and senior leaders from every major sector of business— Monsanto, Taj Hotels, HSBC, Caterpillar, Cargill, Johnson and Johnson, KPMG, Baker & McKenzie, Citi, New Silk Route and Pfizer.

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Infinite Ideas Interiors eyes 50 cr Business in Pune Market

Aiming to design interiors measuring up to 1 million of Sq ft area and profit up to 50-60 crore over the next three years, Infinite Ideas Interiors, India's leading interior design company, announced their entry into the Pune market today with the vision launch of their office at Magarpatta City.

With intention to make every home beautiful, Infinite Ideas Interiors will focus on bringing world class designs fuelled by their technology solutions to Pune citizens.

Infinite Ideas Interiors is an integral part of JBR Interio Technologies Pvt. Ltd. which is supported by Brick Eagle, a leading financial services company based out of Singapore that focuses on affordable housing industry. With a vision to create the most functional, beautiful and affordable spaces by constantly raising the lock, stock, barrel and bar in design, technology and professionalism; Infinite Ideas thrive to deliver absolute customer delight.

A renowned brand with services in new home designs, renovations, commercial spaces, model apartments and villas; the company offers reasonable and custom made (end-to-end) solutions from interior designing, space planning, execution, landscaping and light designing to furnishings. Infinite Ideas Interiors team comprises of Architects and Designers from top Institutes in India, USA, Singapore and Italy, and leaders from the country’s most premier institutes.

Commenting on entering the Pune market, Brinda Goswami, Founding Director, Infinite Ideas Interiors said; “Interior design as a segment in India is roughly growing at a rate of 60% per annum, and is no more a luxury available to the elite few; but is an emerging trend with the double income, nouveau riche, young Indians. Considering this industry trend, we have customised our solutions to range from Rs. 1 lac to Rs. 1 Crore.”

“We are also proud to announce that we have completed many projects in Pune and our target is to beautify more than a 100 homes by the end of this year", she further added.

Vishal Sharma, Head of Sales and Business Development said, “Our Honourable Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi has promised housing for all by the year 2022, when India completes 75 years of its Independence. Furthermore, Real estate body CREDAI says there is a strong correlation between housing and economic growth and a revival in the housing sector will also boost the country's GDP. We are a company tied strongly to this vision and have set our business goal in line with the Prime Minister’s ambition.”

“Real estate growth in Pune will be a key driver to our business and we expect significant growth in revenues in next three years. We aim to expand and grow into 6 new cities every year in India”, he added.

“As a group, we are aiming to complete a million home interiors by 2022,” Brinda concluded.

Infinite Ideas Interiors provide high quality products that are sure to greatly improve the look and feel of any home within affordable price. They have successfully redefined over a million sq. ft. of residential and commercial projects in Hyderabad, Bhopal, Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai.

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VBHC- The Affordable Housing Major Completes its Mumbai Project

VBHC- The Affordable Housing Major Completes its Mumbai Project

• Hands over 350 homes at its Vaibhav -Palghar project in a record time of 20 months 
• VBHC is the first developer to offer a fast growing township in Palghar

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
 

The pioneer of quality affordable housing - Value & Budget Housing Corporation (VBHC) has reiterated its commitment of bringing affordability to the country’s most unaffordable market with the delivery of over 350 homes at its Vaibhav -Palghar project in Mumbai.

VBHC is the first real estate developer in the entire Palghar area that has delivered 350 apartments in a record period of 20 months. Also, the organization is the only developer in the region that offers such a large-scale residential development equipped with all modern amenities.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Mr. P.S. Jayakumar, Managing Director, Value and Budget Housing Corporation (VBHC) said “This is a proud moment for us at VBHC to have been able to deliver homes for possession to 350 owners within the promised period. At VBHC, we believe in creating a sustainable communities for our customers. The Palghar project is a testimony to our endeavor towards the same.”

The project is spread across an area of 47 acres with 70 per cent of open space with landscaped gardens and a kid’s play area. Vaibhav- Palghar like other projects of the company has used the reliable FORM based construction technology. The project has also incorporated various sustainable elements like dual plumbing, solar water heating, bio gas plant & sewage treatment plant along with recreational facilities like club house, shopping complex as well as other amenities.

With pan India presence, VBHC is one of the few developers in the country dedicated to serving the low cost housing segment and has simultaneous projects being lined up in Tier I, II & III cities to cater to the increasing demand for affordable housing. The company is in various stages of identification and procurement of land for developing affordable housing in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh to expand its national footprint. VBHC has large scale expansion plans and promises to deliver 18,000 homes in the next 3 years as it expands its footprint across India.

About VBHC: Value & Budget Housing Corporation Pvt. Ltd. (VBHC), is an ISO 9001:2008 certified professionally managed real estate company which believes that good quality living should be within everyone’s reach. The company was co-founded by former Mphasis Chairman, Mr. Jaithirth (Jerry) Rao and former Citibank Consumer Banking Head, Mr. P. S. Jayakumar.

With marquee investors like HDFC, IFC, Carlyle and Caspian Advisers, VBHC has large scale expansion plans and promises to deliver 18,000 homes in the next 3 years as it expands its national footprint across India.

VBHC's objective is to provide housing that meets high quality construction standards, ensures speedy completion and delivery at low cost. These objectives are best met through the application of contemporary building technology, computer aided design methods, a lean manufacturing process and the adoption of ingenious industrial engineering processes. VBHC has been able to transform real estate development into a lean industrial process with the use of 'form' technology.

VBHC homes are meticulously planned and designed to give one’s family the true experience of modern living. At present, VBHC has projects in Bangalore, Chennai, NCR and Mumbai. VBHC has received the much acclaimed EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) green building certification from IFC for its apartment buildings the only company in India to achieve this certification.

For more information log on to: www.vbhc.com

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Modi Wave in Maharashtra and Haryana

Modi Wave in Maharashtra and Haryana

What could be spectacular, than winning two states in the assembly elections - Maharashtra and Haryana - for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ? It is the victory for the saffron party  in the land of Maratha, where it had alliance with Shiv Sena for last 25 years.

The split was proved in the favour of the BJP and people have given a mandate to the BJP. To form the government in Maharashtra, BJP needs 23 members' support, it has 122 seats in 288 member-Assembly. The NCP would support the BJP government in Maharashtra from out side.

Modi wave was the prime force that brought vote swing the assembly elections in Maharashtra and Haryana. Where voters have bestowed their confidence on the BJP and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who completed 100 plus days in his office.

With the winning two more states into BJP's account, the chief Amit Shah becomes most powerful person in Indian politics, who had played a major role in shaping the party's performance in the general elections.

Shiv Sena won 63 seats in Maharashtra, was the old ally of BJP, broken the alliance over the issue of seat sharing. With NCP agreeing to support the BJP to form the government, Shiv Sena's role could be less effective in supporting BJP to form the government. 

Pic credit: www.rediff.com

Modi wave did it again after the general elections, and the wave was enough to weigh high on the Congress party - winning very few seats in both the states.

In Haryana, BJP is in majority to form the government, winning 47 of the 90 seats. Experts, believe that the elections results could give more power to the NDA government for economic reforms - the need of the hours to bring economic stability in India.

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