The Hindu Business Line : Taj, Oberois evince interest in Maharashtra Govt projects

Mumbai, Sept. 24 Indian hospitality giants like Taj and Oberoi have shown interest in some of the tourism projects being developed by the Government of Maharashtra.

As part of the ongoing tourism infrastructure development, the State Government plans to develop 50 new tourism projects by March 2009 on the entire west coast.

The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has lands across the west coast which it will be leasing out to private players for developing resorts, hotels and other tourism related projects.

“Private sector players like Taj and Oberoi have shown interest in some of these ventures,” said Mr Suresh Shetty, Minister of State for tourism, medical education, higher and technical education and special assistance.

Apart from that, MTDC has asked the State Government for Rs 150 crore for development of better access roads and other infrastructure around the existing MTDC resorts, which are also being managed with private sector involvement.

Infrastructure

“We have asked the Government for assistance; however, we have received only Rs 22 crore so far. We would be asking for more in the upcoming winter session,” said Mr Kiran Kurundkar, Joint Managing Director of MTDC.

Investment policy

Confirming the move, Mr Shetty said, “As per the Tourism Policy 2006, the State Government has decided not to directly invest in tourism projects like hotels, resorts etc. Instead, we will only invest in the necessary infrastructure required for the projects. And leave their management to private players under public private partnership.”

Currently, of the 55 resorts owned by MTDC across the state, 27 properties are being managed with private participation under PPP model, said Mr Kurundkar. “While in some, the entire operation is being handled by private players, in others only restaurants are being managed by them.” The rest will also be opened up for private involvement soon, he said.

Room tariffs

On room tariffs of these properties given the private parties’ involvement, he said, “They (private players) give out certain rooms at lower rates as well.”

The speakers spoke on sidelines of the press launch of the first Mumbai International Tourism Expo 2010 (MITE 2010) to be held in January 2010. It will be hosted by MTDC and organised by Singapore–based CEMS (Conference & Exhibition Management Services Pte Ltd).

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