Ashok Chavan, Chief Minister, Maharashtra declared 2011-12 as the year of Tourism for Maharashtra starting from January 2011. 

Maharashtra CM also highlighted the key areas like Medical Tourism, Eco Tourism, Forest Tourism, Coastal Tourism, Pilgrimage Tourism, Fort Tourism which are required to be focused in a bid to promote tourism in the state.

Chavan also stated that the government will support the hospitality sector to get the industry status but before that association has to elaborate on the implications of industry status to hospitality sector and how it will be beneficial for the growth of the industry.