MINSTER of Finance for State, Advocate Ashish Jaiswal on Sunday emphasised that films can serve as a powerful medium for promoting tourism in Vidarbha. He was speaking at the panel discussion on tourism promotion on the concluding day of Advantage Vidarbha 2026, organised by the Association for Industrial Development (AID). Citing the example of the film Bajirao Mastani, Jaiswal said that after its release, the historic Shaniwar Wada once again became a major tourist attraction. He noted that several tourist destinations across the country have received a new lease of life due to films. On similar lines, he informed that a proposal has been submitted to renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali for producing a film based on the great poet Kalidas, with the aim of ensuring the holistic development of Ramtek.

 

He further stated that if a film on Kalidas is made, there are plans to retain the film set to serve as a tourist attraction later. The panel discussion was attended by former MLA Anil Sole; Tejinder Singh Renu of the Nagpur Resident Hotels Association; Anil Agarwala of Tathastu Resort; Hrishikesh Vachasundar of ITC Tadoba; Tourism Mitra Chandrapal Chouksey; Sanjay Gupta, Managing Director of Ashoka Hotel; Harmandeep Singh Anand of Jackson Travels; Dr. Chandrashekharan Bala (IFS), Chief Executive Officer of Gorewada Zoo; Ashok Kumar Rao; Afzal Meetha (AHPWI); and Shivkumar. Tejinder Singh Renu asserted that growth in tourism is possible only through collective efforts. Anil Agarwala of Tathastu Resort expressed optimism that a skill development–based course in tourism would soon be launched at IIM Nagpur.

 

Hrishikesh Vachasundar advised new entrepreneurs entering the tourism sector to initially adopt low-cost business models that offer higher opportunities. Chandrapal Chouksey highlighted ways to make tourism affordable for the common public. Sanjay Gupta emphasised the need to develop world-class water parks and similar facilities in Nagpur, stating that such amenities are essential to increase the length of stay of tourists visiting the city. He also raised the issue of aircraft parking facilities. Harmandeep Singh Anand expressed concern that due to inadequate marketing, tour operators and travel agents are unable to effectively reach tourists.

 

Dr Chandrashekharan Bala of Gorewada Zoo informed that initiatives would be undertaken in the near future to register volunteers at Gorewada and provide them with knowledge related to forests and wildlife. He added that coordination would be established with tour operators, and travel agents for this purpose. The programme was moderated by Shivkumar and Reena Sinha from VED. A large number of students were present at the event.