Maharashtra Economic Development Council (MEDC) ambitious mega tourism project, "Visit Golden Maharashtra" forged ahead with a business conference titled DEVELOPING KONKAN...CONNECTING COASTS on 8th September at Alpabajat Hall, Ratnagiri. Hosted by MEDC, the conference was aimed at promoting costal, agricultural, rural and general tourism in the region.

Shri Bhaskar Jadhav, Hon'ble State Minister for Forest, Ports & Urban Development, Maharashtra was the chief guest of the event. Experts from various sectors like Mr. Atul Kulkarni, C.E.O of Chowgule Ports & Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd, Captain Vinayak Ingle, Chief Port Officer, Ratnagiri Maharashtra Maritime Board, Ex Minister Datta Rane, Mr. Saurabh Jha, NE Rural Tourism Pvt. Ltd and Madhukar Gaikwad, Collector of Ratnagiri were involved in discussions and suggested various methods that can be adopted to promote tourism in the area.

The conference was held to study how the benefits of tourism can be distributed equitably amongst stakeholders (especially local communities), the ideal way to safeguard the long-term interests of the tourist destination, resolving conflicts between stakeholders and the adoption of a multi-stakeholder perspective on sustainability to strike a balance between various positions.

It was discussed that having an airport in the Konkan region would be beneficial to promote costal tourism internationally. Obstacles in the tourism sector can be overcome if people of Konkan maintain a positive attitude. By improving the marketing services and promoting tourism there can be a consistent and steady improvement in employment of the region.

"Konkan Is blessed with natural beauty and can be promoted as a world class tourist destination; however, the tourist sector is still underdeveloped. Tourism can be further developed by working hand in hand and by banking on the existing natural beauty", said Shri Bhaskar Jadhav, Hon'ble State Minister for Forest, Ports & Urban Development, Maharashtra. He further added that only natural beauty is not enough to promote tourism; it should be supported by proper infrastructure and necessary facilities.

Collector Madhukar Gaikwad expressed confidence in the administrative efforts that are being taken to overcome flaws in the tourism sector. Funds are also being generated to promote costal tourism in Konkan. If propagated and promoted in the right direction, the number of tourists in the region are bound to increase. By introducing and adopting innovative policies and programmes, tourists can be encouraged to visit these places.

"Collection of related information on a wide scale through interactions and discussions with various stake holders of the tourism sector was a first step towards developing Konkan tourism. We intend to promote Konkan region as one of the best tourist centers. It will not only fulfill the thirst of adventure and excitement of every visitor but also have a positive impact on our economy", said Mr. Vinod Gupta, Vice President, (International) MEDC.

'Konkan', the coastal region of Maharashtra, separated from the rest of the state by the Sahyadri mountain range, is known for its tranquility and exceptional beauty. Surfeit with plethora of beaches, the coastline dotted with the palm groves that shade the white sand of beaches, mango trees planted in perfect sequence in the agricultural fields, Imposing temples and the tiled homes that stand high in naked beauty of lush green pastures make Konkan a very attractive tourist destination.