India, May 11 -- In a major push to position Maharashtra as a leading tourism destination, the state government is planning to develop 100 tourism sub-circuits across its five divisions, with an investment of Rs.25 crore earmarked for each circuit over the next five years. The plan, involving a total proposed expenditure of Rs.2,500 crore, aims to strengthen tourism infrastructure, create jobs and significantly increase tourist footfall in the state over the next decade and by 2047.

The sub-circuits will be developed by promoting specialised tourism sectors such as forts, culinary tourism, pilgrimage tourism and other destination-based themes. The government believes the tourism sector has immense potential to contribute to Maharashtra's...