International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development-– Volume 3 Issue 6, Nov-Dec 2020 Available at www.ijsred.com RESEARCH ARTICLE OPEN ACCESS Caravan Tourism : A new perspective for Maharashtra State Tourism Industry AJIT A. BHOSALE Email – [email protected] Abstract The tourism industry is one of the largest and most dynamic sectors globally, accounting for more than a third of the total services trade. Travel and Tourism is a key contributor to the Indian economy and hence warrants strong focus via budgetary allocation, given its ability to catalyse the growth engine for both revenue and job creation. This paper discusses how caravan tourism can contribute for Maharashtra State Tourism Sector’s Development and where public, private sectors can develop caravan parks for caravan tourism. Keywords – Caravan, Tourism, Caravan Park. place of work. Tourism is an activity of multi- dimensional, multi-faceted nature, involving large Introduction number of people and a good number of economic The concept of Caravan tourism has gained immense activities. popularity across the globe owing to the freedom and flexibility it provides, while holidaying vis-a-vis Caravan/Camper Van itineraries and accommodation. This would include Caravans are a unique tourism product, which promotes vehicles viz. Recreational Vehicle (RV), Campervans, family oriented tours even in circuits /destinations, Motor Homes etc. One of the essential pre-requisites for which are not having adequate hotel accommodation. Caravan tourism is the presence of sufficient Caravan The specially built vehicles being used for the purpose Parks in the identified circuits. Research paper gives of travel, leisure and accommodation would be termed exact idea about caravan tourism, how caravan tourism as ‘Caravan’. can contribute in development of Maharashtra state’s tourism sector as well as where public and private Caravan Park sectors work for the development of Caravan Parks. A Caravan Park is a place where Caravans can stay overnight in allotted spaces providing basic or advanced Research Methodology amenities and facilities. The present study is based on the secondary data published by various agencies and organizations. The Advantages of Caravan Park present study makes use of data and information 1. Home away from home provided by UNWTO, Ministry of Tourism, MTDC, 2. Perfect location for holidays State Government Departments, Newspapers, 3. Easy to access Magazines, Books, Economic journals and Internet etc. 4. Family time 5. Secure and social spots Tourism The term “Smokeless Industry” has become very popular concept for tourism. Notionally, tourism as a phenomenon means the movement of people-both Disadvantages of Caravan Park within the country and outside the national border. It 1. Increased Responsibility basically, consists of three elements Man, Space and 2. Potentially Noisy Environment Time. These three elements are the prerequisites for any 3. Payment of Ground Rates tourism activities. According to UNWTO, “Tourism comprises the Caravan Tourism activities of persons traveling to and staying in places Caravans and Caravan Parks are sure to add an exciting outside their usual environment for not more than one new facet to tourism in Incredible India. The initial consecutive year for leisure, business, sports, adventure, demand in this niche segment is expected to come from health, recreations and any other purpose”. domestic tourists and then from the inbound tourists. Tourism involves the movement of people to different There is at present a growing demand for eco, places and their stay outside their residence and normal adventure, wildlife and pilgrimage tourism. This ISSN : 2581-7175 ©IJSRED: All Rights are Reserved Page 1 International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development-– Volume 3 Issue 6, Nov-Dec 2020 Available at www.ijsred.com involves visiting and staying in remote areas, forests, deserts and riversides. There is already shortage of 5. Development of Agri Tourism accommodation at tourist destinations, especially in Agri tourism is a field that is growing in remote areas and in certain cases at places where a popularity as producers try to diversify and permanent construction may neither be permissible nor increase profits by combining agriculture and feasible. In such a scenario, Caravan Tourism can tourism. Agri tourism offers new sources of effectively meet the growing demand, while ensuring revenue. Agritourism presents a unique adherence to quality, standards and safety norms. opportunity to combine aspects of the tourism Caravan Tourism would attract a wide range of market and agriculture industries to provide a number segments including young people, families, senior of financial, educational, and social benefits to citizens and international tourists. tourists, producers, and communities. In Maharashtra, numbers of agri tourism centres Advantages of Caravan Tourism are approximately 328. Agri Tourism Centres 1. Save money with Caravan can be included in Caravan Tour Circuits. 2. Stay where you want 3. You can pack as much as you want 6. To boost Wildlife Tourism 4. Create special memories When the thought came about Caravan 5. A sense of independence parking, Public and Private sectors can show 6. Comfortable Equipment interest in developing as well as boosting 7. Choose your own location various aspects of wildlife tourism such as 8. Great for families existing wildlife sanctuaries, national parks. 9. Continue your route 7. To boost Cave Tourism Disadvantages of Caravan Tourism Cave Tourism is well known concept. 1. Price Solutional caves, Lava caves, Sea Caves, 2. Maintenance of Caravan Corrasional or erosional caves, Glacier cave, Stand stone caves, Gypsum Caves are the various types of caves. In Maharashtra, we found solutional and lava type of caves mostly. Contribution in Development of Existing as well as Cave Tourism can be boosted with the help of New Tourism Aspects - Caravan Tourism. 1. Employment opportunities Caravan Tourism concept is new in 8. To boost maintenance work of forts Maharashtra. Caravan Tourism includes In Maharashtra, numbers of forts are more various aspects like Caravan, Caravan Parking, than 350. This is the plus point for youths of Services near Caravan Parking, renting of Maharashtra state to create various caravan, registration as caravan tour operator, employment as well as business opportunities vehicle servicing centre. So in short there are in terms of Development of Tourism sector. number of jobs will be available for young people to carry out above things. 9. To promote Heritage Walks Heritage walk is a tool to explore the 2. Opportunities for New Entrepreneurs unexplored and neglected richness of the Caravan Tourism is a less known concept. country. Heritage walks, are best way to learn New Entrepreneurs can get the knowledge and recognize our culture, tradition, about this concept and start Caravan Tourism philosophy, myths and associated rituals with Business. them. The walk makes one look back and reminds us of our rich culture and history, 3. Development of Tourist Sites provoking us to thing about the existence of With the reason of Caravan Tourism, Public every historical structure and place. Heritage and Private sectors can develop tourist sites to Walk Concept will be an opportunity to Public promote and boost tourist sites as well as and Private sectors to promote history and Caravan Tourism. culture of Maharashtra. 4. Development of Hill Stations In Maharashtra, numbers of hill stations are waiting for tourist. In these hill stations, some are well developed and maintained but some are not. Now with the help of caravan tourism, new hill stations can be developed and promoted. ISSN : 2581-7175 ©IJSRED: All Rights are Reserved Page 2 International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development-– Volume 3 Issue 6, Nov-Dec 2020 Available at www.ijsred.com By using PPP, Public and Private sectors can develop Caravan Parks near below places. These places are Table II - List of Dams selected using Google Earth Engine. Near of these Sr. places, land is available for construction and No. Name of Dam Region District development of Caravan Parks. 1 Katepurna Amravati Akola I Caves 2 Wan Amravati Akola II Dams III Forts 3 Upper Wardha Amravati Amravati IV Hill Stations 4 Nalganga Amravati Buldana V Hot Water Springs 5 Khadakpurna Amravati Buldana VI Waterfalls VII Wildlife Sanctuaries 6 Pentakli Amravati Buldana 7 Bembla Amravati Yavatmal Table I - List of Caves 8 Isapur Amravati Yavatmal Sr. No. Name of Cave Location 9 Arunavati Amravati Yavatmal 1 Ajanta Caves Ajanta, Aurangabad District 10 Pus Amravati Yavatmal 2 Aurangabad Caves Aurangabad 11 Paithan Aurangabad Aurangabad 3 Bahrot Caves Dahanu, Thane district 12 Manjara Aurangabad Beed 4 Bedse Caves Maval, Pune district 13 Majalgaon Aurangabad Beed 5 Bhaja Caves Maval, Pune district 14 Yeldari Aurangabad Hingoli Chandrapur, Vidarbha 15 Siddeshwar Aurangabad Hingoli 6 Bhatala Caves Maharashtra 16 Lower Manar Aurangabad Nanded 7 Dharashiv Caves Osmanabad 17 Lower Terna Aurangabad Osmanabad 8 Elephanta Caves Elephanta Island, Mumbai 18 Sina kolegaon Aurangabad Osmanabad 9 Ellora Caves Aurangabad District 19 Lower Dudhana Aurangabad Parbhani 10 Gandharpale Caves Mahad Janjala Village,Sillod, 20 Dhamni Kokan Palghar 11 Ghatotkacha Caves Aurangabad District 21 Kawdas P. U. Weir Kokan Palghar 12 Kanheri Caves Borivali, Mumbai 22 Tillari Kokan Sindhudurg 13 Karad Caves Satara District 23 Lower Chondhe