In a major step towards strengthening tourism governance and creating globally competitive destinations, the Maharashtra Government is set to establish District-Level Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) across the state. The initiative aims to transform tourism management through better coordination, sustainable development, enhanced visitor experiences, and stronger community participation.

The proposed DMOs will serve as dedicated institutional bodies responsible for destination planning, branding, stakeholder coordination, infrastructure management, and visitor services. The move forms a key component of the World Bank-supported MahaSTRIDE programme and is being implemented by the state’s Tourism Department in collaboration with the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA).

The roadmap was discussed during a high-level workshop in Mumbai, where senior government officials, tourism experts, hospitality leaders, and industry stakeholders deliberated on operationalising the DMO framework. The initiative seeks to bring together government agencies, local communities, tourism businesses, and private stakeholders under a unified governance model to ensure sustainable destination development.

Officials believe that Maharashtra’s diverse tourism assets—including heritage monuments, UNESCO World Heritage sites, wildlife reserves, coastal destinations, pilgrimage centres, wellness retreats, and adventure tourism offerings—can be managed more effectively through destination-specific governance mechanisms. The new model is expected to improve destination branding, create employment opportunities, strengthen local economies, and enhance the overall quality of visitor experiences.

During the workshop, an MoU was also signed between MITRA and the ATITHI Foundation to facilitate knowledge sharing, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative implementation of destination management initiatives across the state.

Industry experts view the introduction of DMOs as a significant shift from conventional destination promotion to integrated destination management—an approach increasingly adopted by leading global tourism destinations. By focusing on long-term sustainability, coordinated governance, and experience-driven tourism, Maharashtra aims to position itself as one of India’s most competitive and globally recognised tourism destinations.

Image credit: TOI