The Maharashtra cabinet on Tuesday gave its nod to the implementation of the ‘Aai’ (mother) tourism policy. The policy has been approved under the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. Meanwhile, the cabinet also approved the women-run bike-taxi services in some tourist destinations.
A state government official has stated that the Directorate of Tourism will establish a Women Tourism Policy Cell to carry out the Aai policy. A five-point programme would be executed as part of the policy, the official added.
The five-point plan calls for fostering female entrepreneurship, building infrastructure for women, prioritising women's safety while travelling, modifying goods for women travellers, and offering discounts to female tourists. According to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office, a task group will also be established under the chairmanship of the tourism minister for the efficient implementation of the strategy.
Each taluka would be required to register 10 women-owned tourist enterprises with the Directorate of tourist (DoT), including homestays, hotels, restaurants, and tour and travel agencies. Women business owners will receive financial support for starting tourism firms and can pay interest in convenient instalments. Additionally, during the first five years, the government will cover the annual insurance fee for women tour guides who are registered with the DoT.
