Pune District To Host World Paragliding, Grand Cycling Challenge, Hot Air Balloon Festival, And Fort Conservation Under New Tourism Plan
Pune District To Host World Paragliding, Grand Cycling Challenge, Hot Air Balloon Festival, And Fort Conservation Under New Tourism Plan
Pune, April 29: A comprehensive and sustainable tourism development plan for Pune district was unveiled at a meeting today, introducing a series of new initiatives to boost tourism across the region. Key highlights of the plan include organizing a World Paragliding Competition at Mulshi, a Grand Cycling Challenge passing through all talukas of the district, a Hot Air Balloon Festival at Baramati and Indapur, and the launch of water sports tourism facilities at the Pavana Dam area.
Additionally, the plan proposes the tourism development of historic forts, ancient temples, and scenic mountain passes. Cultural festivals showcasing local artists in singing, instrumental performances, theater, literature, poetry, and storytelling will also be organized. Adventure sports facilities such as motorboating and ziplining will be developed, offering tourists both sightseeing and adventure experiences.
Currently, 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 increase tourist numbers to 4 million over the next three years and 10 million in the next five years. This is expected to contribute an additional ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 crore to the district’s GDP and generate 50,000 direct and five lakh indirect employment opportunities.
It was emphasized that all tourism initiatives in the district will be permanent. Annual events such as the paragliding competition, grand cycling challenge, hot air balloon festival, and cultural festivals will be scheduled during fixed periods every year, helping establish Pune district’s distinct identity in the tourism sector.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also given tourism high priority in this year’s Union Budget, with increased allocations and a policy of full cooperation with states. Maharashtra is already benefiting from this policy, and Pune’s development plan is seen as crucial to ensuring the district takes a leadership role in tourism growth.
As part of these efforts, a separate tourism logo and a unique slogan will be created for Pune district to build an independent tourism brand. A global brand ambassador enjoying wide popularity and recognition will also be appointed to promote Pune internationally.
While formulating the Pune District Tourism Development Plan, successful models from other states such as Gujarat’s “Rann Utsav,” Arunachal Pradesh’s “Ziro Festival,” Rajasthan’s “Jaipur Literature Festival,” and Nagaland’s “Hornbill Festival” were studied. These models led to significant increases in tourism revenues, financial turnover, job creation, and the development of local communities, serving as inspiration for Pune’s initiatives.
Collaboration with reputed individuals, institutions, and private organizations associated with tourism will be encouraged to ensure the success of the plan. The state government has assured full financial support, with no shortage of resources for the proposed projects.
The meeting also reviewed the development plans for Shree Kshetra Bhimashankar and the comprehensive conservation and development plan for Sinhagad Fort. Given the spiritual and historical significance of these sites, new development works will be undertaken carefully to preserve their ancient beauty and importance.
Further, instructions were issued to immediately complete the statue and memorial of Mavale Jivaji Mahale at the foothills of Pratapgad Fort, honoring his unmatched valor, courage, and loyalty during the historic meeting between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal Khan.
