Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) and the private app-based taxi aggregator, Ola, signed an MoU on Wednesday to provide customers a unique Mumbai darshan.
From Thursday, customers can avail themselves of the ‘Mumbai Darshan’ option using the app. Tourists can choose a 10-hour or 100-km package comprising a guided tour of places of interest spread across the city.
The initiative aims to provide trained drivers with the requisite skill set to guide tourists around Mumbai and explain the city’s unique landmarks and culture to them. Drivers will be trained through material available on the app and through classroom and field training. Tourism brochures are to be placed in the cabs to give customers a deeper understanding of the city.
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Speaking at the event, Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture, Maharashtra government, Valsa Nair Singh, said, “We are confident that this MoU will actively take ahead Maharashtra government’s vision of transforming the State into a smart tourism hub. Tourists visiting Maharashtra will be able to avail themselves of the benefits of the latest technology and best in class service to visit some of the most prominent tourism destinations in the State.”
State Minister of Tourism, Jaykumar Rawal, said, “Mumbai is an international city and tourists visiting here should be given the service of such standard. We are committed to provide better service and this is one small step in this direction.”
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Through the MoU, customers will be provided a guided tour of the city and hotspots such as Marine Drive, Haji Ali Mosque and The Gateway of India. Apart from providing employment to Ola drivers, the MoU includes a tie-up with places of interest to provide access to restaurants, selfie-points and tour guides. A total of 100 guides have been sanctioned in Mumbai and 400 throughout Maharashtra.