Sachin likely to be Maharashtra's brand ambassador

Maharashtra Tourism is likely to rope in cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar as its brand ambassador as part of its master plan to attract more tourists to the state.

Maharashtra Tourism is likely to rope in cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar as its brand ambassador as part of its master plan to attract more tourists to the state.

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The department has chalked out a master plan to promote tourism in the state on the lines of Gujarat, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh, chief minister Prithvi Raj Chavan told some Delhi-based journalists.

Responding to a question on appointing the 'master blaster' as the ambassador, Chavan said, "The thought can be considered and we are looking into it".

"We are looking into the proposal. Let's see, what can be done," Chavan said, as he announced that the state's tourism budget had gone upto Rs 25 crores.

On other projects, Chavan talked about declaring Nagpur as the 'tiger capital' to lure more footfall to the state.

"We have decided to make Nagpur as the gateway to the tiger land as Maharashtra and Gujarat have the highest tiger population (in the country). States like Gujarat and Kerala are already promoting their assets...in order to stay in competition we will now promote what we have in abundance," Chavan said.

Besides this, the state government has also joined hands with the Japanese government to conserve the 2,000 years-old cultural heritage of Ajanta Caves.

Japan has provided a fund of Rs 1,000 crore to help protect the Buddhist paintings at Ajanta Caves, which have now started showing signs of decay.

The government is planning to raise the standard of guest houses at all tourist places to provide comfortable stay and experience to the visitors, Chavan said.

It has also decided to focus on the rich heritage of forts in the state by allotting a separate fund for their conservation.

"Maharashtra has ample number of forts highlighting the rich Maratha lineage. It has become important to put forth this history of warriors and hence promote the state," Chavan said.