A promise of progress

Two states of India went to the polls recently, both with distinct and dynamic backgrounds and settings. One party made its breakthrough in both regions, with an election manifesto that promises progress. The BJP’s party headquarters of Maharashtra stationed in South Mumbai, a cottage-like structure close to our office at Express Towers office in Nariman Point was always a rather silent office till recent times. This unassuming place suddenly saw action full throttle and an otherwise calm area of the city witnessed action and drama like never before. Celebrations galore, the party and its people seem to be on a roll to finally make their way into Mantralaya to take charge of the state of Maharashtra. Interestingly, in recent times, especially post the union budget 2014, the travel and tourism industry seems to have gained favour and preference amongst senior thought leaders in the corridors of power. Tourism which was otherwise a word that was almost extinct in the political parlance, has popped up suddenly to get its share and due.

This new wave of change no doubt is looked at by optimists as ‘the ache din’ for Maharashtra while the skeptics are waiting to see what will unfold in the coming months. The hospitality sector in the state which has always lamented about non-investment friendly hospitality policies, is only hoping that the new change will bring in relief for the sector and offer hassle free good governance.

Meanwhile our neighbour, Madhya Pradesh, recently held its Global Investor’s Summit and it was interesting to note that the leading names of corporate India were present with some serious action plans. Projects which were blocked due to bureaucratic bottlenecks were revived, getting their crucial clearance for development. Industry leaders in the hospitality sector are predicting that Maharashtra too will attract the right investments and special investor friendly regions will be created in line with tourism development. The recent news of Unique Mercantile India’s hospitality foray is also worth taking note as the hospitality sector (as mentioned in my previous edit) is attracting investments from new sectors and businesses. By the end of the day all we need is progress, investor friendly policies which are also environmental friendly.

Reema Lokesh
Editor