In a bid to promote gender-inclusive tourism, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has announced a 50% discount for women tourists staying at its resorts across the state from March 1 to 8 in celebration of International Women’s Day. The initiative is part of the ‘Aai’ women-centric tourism policy, which aims to ensure safe and accessible travel while encouraging greater female participation in the tourism sector.
Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai highlighted the success of last year’s initiative, which saw over 1,500 women benefit from the scheme. Encouraged by the positive response, the government has extended the discount to 30 days throughout the year, with the additional 22 discounted days to be announced on MTDC’s official website. This move aligns with the BJP-led Mahayuti government’s vision of empowering women through targeted policies like the ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana’, which played a key role in the alliance’s electoral success.
Beyond discounts, the Aai policy focuses on creating a safe and inclusive environment for women travelers. Atul Patne, Principal Secretary of the Tourism Department, emphasised that this initiative is about more than affordability—it is about security, accessibility, and opportunity for women in the tourism sector.
With March 8 being a public holiday, MTDC Managing Director Manojkumar Suryawanshi anticipates a strong turnout of women travelers, providing them with a chance to explore Maharashtra’s diverse landscapes while enjoying substantial savings.