Wakayama Prefecture, Japan delegation visited Shri Jayakumar Jitendrasinh Rawal - Hon'ble Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra during their official visit to Maharashtra - Hon'ble Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra proposes the establishment of a Japanese village near Ajanta-Ellora to further attract tourist footfalls from Japan -

Mumbai, 10th August, 2016: Delegation from Wakayama Prefectural Government, Japan visited Shri Jayakumar Jitendrasinh Rawal - Hon'ble Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra on August 08, 2016 (today) at the Mantralaya, Mumbai to discuss the development on the MOU between Wakayama Prefectural Government (WPG) and The Government of Maharashtra signed in October 2013. The meeting witnessed the presence of Mr. Yosho Yamashita, Mr. Tsujibimashi, Mr. Heidekazu Hirai and Mr. Noboo Miyamoto from Wakayama Prefectural Government, Japan; Shri Jayakumar Jitendrasinh Rawal - Hon'ble Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra; Shri. Satish Soni - Joint Managing Director of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation and Shri. Chandrashekhar Jaiswal, Deputy General Manager, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation.

As a part of the MoU, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is funding the Ajanta – Ellora Development Phase 3 and showcasing their full support towards development of tourism in Maharashtra. The MoU also highlights the joint efforts of both parties to enhance mutual economic growth, promote agro and food processing between local enterprises through existing framework that the both the Governments have established.

Shri Jayakumar Jitendrasinh Rawal - Hon'ble Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra during the meeting said, “We are proud to be associated with Wakayama Prefecture, Japan and this MoU has been a great platform for us to increase our global footprint and put Maharashtra on a World map. This MoU has strengthened the bilateral trade between India and Japan and has mutually benefitted these two countries to strengthen their respective tourism prospects. Buddhism makes the 2 countries Japan & India close for centuries. I propose the establishment of a Japanese village near Ajanta-Ellora to further attract tourist footfalls from Japan and welcome our Japanese brothers with better warmth and hospitality. Would like to offer land for the establishment of this village. We must also organise special Japanese tours in Maharashtra.”

On this initiative, Smt. Valsa Nair Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary, Tourism & Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra “We warmly welcome Wakayama Prefecture, Japan delegation to Maharashtra. Both states have a strong foundation in natural beauty and culture. The renewal of the MoU term and this association will help increase tourism inflow in Maharashtra and Wakayama through the agreement. It will further help maintain mutual cooperation between both states for expansion of tourism ties to enhance economic growth and job creation. We thank Wakayama Prefecture, Japan for providing assistance in further promotion of Maharashtra Tourism in Japan through the office space they have provided to MTDC in Tokyo. There has been a steady influx of tourists from Japan to Aurangabad to study important places around the Buddhist circuit. FAM tours help us identify prime locations of visit around Japan and likewise for their trade professional so that tourism is highly encouraged in both countries”

Hon'ble Minister of Tourism also invited the Japanese delegation to attend the planned Buddhist Conference in Aurangabad in October. Wakayama Prefecture delegation proposed their plans to promote Ajanta Visitor Centre and a clean-up camp at the World heritage site with locals at Ajanta.

About MTDC:

Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in the state, which generates substantial foreign exchange and has culminated in significant employment prospects. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) was established with the aim of promoting tourism in the state. Since its foundation, MTDC has been at the forefront of development and maintenance of various tourist sites and at present owns and maintains resorts in these regions. To aide tourists, MTDC has opened information centres at all popular destination, which provide travel information about various tourist spots in Maharashtra along with travel maps, Maharashtra tourism guides and travel books at affordable prices.

Maharashtra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India offering a diverse range of experiences from pristine beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, natural caves, waterfalls, to imposing forts, colourful festivals, ancient pilgrimage shrines, museums, and historical monuments. For further details, please visit: http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/