Maharashtra’s Tourism Push: Hospitality Training For 7,500 Youth, AI Info Centres At Heritage Sites | India News

Last Updated:September 18, 2025, 15:50 IST

The state will set up NaMo Tourism Information and Facilitation Centres at heritage locations such as Raigad Fort, Pratapgad Fort, Shivneri Fort among others.

Raigad Fort in Maharashtra. (Image: PTI)

The Maharashtra government has rolled out a new tourism skill development initiative that promises to give a fresh push to the state’s growing tourism sector. Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai on Wednesday announced the launch of the ‘NaMo Tourism Skill Programme’, a scheme aimed at training 7,500 local youths in hospitality and tour guiding. The government has tied up with the Swami Samarth Maharashtra Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology for hospitality training, while the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management, Gwalior will oversee the training of professional tour guides.

“The programme is not just about jobs, but about shaping careers for young people in tourism and ensuring Maharashtra is ready for global visitors,” Desai said. Each trainee will receive a certificate, identity card and an official licence from the Directorate of Tourism, opening doors for employment in hotels, restaurants, heritage sites and travel companies across India and abroad.

Alongside this, the state will set up NaMo Tourism Information and Facilitation Centres in the first phase at iconic heritage locations such as Raigad Fort, Pratapgad Fort, Shivneri Fort, Salher Fort and Mumbai’s historic Meghdoot Bungalow. These centres will provide multilingual support, digital services and even AI-powered features to assist tourists. What makes the initiative unique is its focus on inclusivity. The facilities will be designed with children, senior citizens and differently abled visitors in mind, ensuring barrier-free access and user-friendly amenities.

Looking ahead, the government has set its sights on establishing such centres at 75 tourist destinations across Maharashtra, covering both popular and lesser-known sites. This expansion is expected to not only boost tourism but also strengthen the local economy by generating new livelihood opportunities.

“NaMo Tourism will be inclusive, accessible and people friendly. It has been designed keeping in mind the Prime Minister’s vision of empowering youth and making tourism a vehicle of growth,” Desai added.

By combining skill training with modern infrastructure, the state hopes to create a sustainable ecosystem where tourism fuels both employment and cultural pride.

Mayuresh Ganapatye