Pune: District Unveils New Tourism Plan with World Paragliding, Cycling Challenge, Hot Air Balloon Festival, and Fort Conservation Initiatives
Pune, April 29: A comprehensive and sustainable tourism development plan for Pune district was unveiled today at a special meeting, setting the stage for several exciting initiatives aimed at boosting tourism across the region. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar provided detailed insights into the new projects, which are set to transform Pune’s tourism landscape.
Key highlights of the plan include:
- World Paragliding Competition at Mulshi
- Grand Cycling Challenge traversing all talukas of Pune district
- Hot Air Balloon Festival at Baramati and Indapur
- Water Sports Tourism facilities at Pavana Dam area
- Tourism Development of historic forts, ancient temples, and scenic mountain passes
- Adventure Sports Facilities like motorboating and ziplining
- Cultural Festivals featuring local artists in singing, instrumental music, theater, literature, poetry, and storytelling
Ajit Pawar emphasized that these initiatives will not only offer sightseeing opportunities but also allow tourists to experience adventure sports firsthand. The entire plan has been designed to be sustainable and aims to create a new identity for Pune district in the global tourism sector.
At present, 79% of foreign tourists visiting Maharashtra choose Mumbai, while only 14% visit Pune. Through the successful and continuous implementation of the Pune District Tourism Development Plan, the goal is to attract 4 million tourists within the next three years and 10 million in the next five years. This is expected to add ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 crore to the district’s GDP and generate 50,000 direct and five lakh indirect employment opportunities.
The district’s tourism activities — including the paragliding competition, cycling challenge, hot air balloon festival, and cultural events — will become annual fixtures, held at fixed times each year, thereby solidifying Pune’s reputation as a key tourism destination.
Ajit Pawar also highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has prioritized tourism development in the Union Budget, providing significant funding and policy support to states. Maharashtra is already reaping the benefits of this national policy, and Pune district’s new tourism plan is poised to leverage these advantages fully.
A distinct tourism logo and slogan will be created for Pune, and efforts are underway to appoint a globally recognized brand ambassador to promote Pune internationally.
While developing the Pune District Tourism Development Plan, successful models from other Indian states were studied, including Gujarat’s Rann Utsav, Arunachal Pradesh’s Ziro Festival, Rajasthan’s Jaipur Literature Festival, and Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival. These examples have demonstrated the potential for massive growth in tourism, economic turnover, revenue generation, and community development — a blueprint Pune aims to follow.
Collaboration with reputed individuals, institutions, and private organizations will be encouraged to ensure the success of these initiatives. The state government has assured full financial backing, with no shortage of resources for the projects.
The meeting also reviewed plans for the development of Shree Kshetra Bhimashankar and the comprehensive conservation of Sinhagad Fort. Instructions were issued to undertake new development works at these spiritually and historically significant sites carefully, preserving their ancient beauty and importance.
Furthermore, officials were directed to expedite the completion of the statue and memorial of Mavale Jivaji Mahale at the foothills of Pratapgad Fort, honoring his unmatched valor, bravery, and loyalty during the historic meeting between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal Khan.
Pune district’s ambitious tourism development roadmap is expected to establish a unique and distinguished place for it on the world tourism map.
