Before talking about specific things related to Tourism, we must understand that all of the other issues that have been discussed in this report will have a direct bearing on tourism. A good public transport system, better traffic, non polluted air & water, clean rivers and streets, better public health, greener city etc are all important to attract tourists. Nobody wants to visit a city that is dirty and congested and overcrowded and lacks basic infrastructure and amenities like public toilets. And a full fledged and world class airport is the most basic need. The system has completely failed Pune on this count.

• Aesthetics: While we have covered the issue of garbage under the Sanitation chapter, we need to understand what makes a city attractive. It is not just a question of ‘clean cities’ i.e. cities with no visible littering or garbage, it goes much deeper than that. It includes things like strict action against illegal hoardings (especially political ones) that currently deface every inch of this town. The current budget to remove all encroachments including hoardings is 23 crores – but where is this money going?

Aesthetics includes a minute attention to ‘finishing touches’ or ‘fit and finish’ in all the cleanliness and construction work undertaken by every stakeholder. It includes strict enforcement of the no parking rules and swift action on abandoned / junk vehicles. It includes getting all the Architects of the city together to proactively work towards a better looking city by working on design language, tone and colour etc especially for public and government establishments.

• Planning: We need to set up a task force to focus on heritage, culture, and tourism promotion, responsible for preservation, dissemination of information, and tourism development. The plan must be holistic and long term and must be created by all stakeholders including PMC, Police, Transport Authorities, Travel Agency Associations, Rickshaw and Cab associations, Historians, Conservationists etc. Pune boasts exceptional heritage and natural sites, yet lacks a comprehensive, sustainable tourism strategy for their exploitation. Crucial historical landmarks like Sinhagad Fort suffer from inadequate public transport, while sites like the Pune Archives remain neglected and inaccessible. Absence of tourist guides and proper signage further diminishes visitor experiences. Rather than prioritizing the mythical ‘sanctity’ of sites, we should focus on their authenticity, historic significance, and tourism potential, contributing to the city’s 400-year legacy.
• Expansion: We need to expand our existing Museums and Zoos. We need to come up with new tourist attractions based on our extensive nature trails and treks.
• Conservation: heritage sites speak to the new generation and inspire them. All heritage sites should be conserved and protected. The community and local government bodies should spread more awareness in this regard. We should learn from other states in India how they have developed and maintained their cultural and heritage sites to attract tourists from all over the world. Even while opening them up to tourists, their conservation and protection must be of top priority. Adopting the ‘no broken window’ theory implies that tourists will respect sites if authorities and locals show equal dedication. A large-scale awareness campaign engaging local stakeholders, experts in archaeology, restoration, history, tourism, and sustainability is essential. Employing a ‘think large, act small’ approach tailored to each site’s uniqueness, historical value, and local context is imperative. Preserving our heritage demands immediate action to prevent regrettable loss in the future.
• Technology: Creating online platforms and mobile apps for tourists in Pune means making websites and phone apps that give tourists a lot of helpful information about special places and fun things to do that are related to history and culture. These platforms and apps are like your tour guides but on your phone or computer. They provide maps, pictures, descriptions, and even sometimes videos so you can get a clear idea of what to expect. You can figure out how to get to these places, what to see there, and when they’re open. It’s like having a friendly helper in your pocket, showing you around the city’s cultural and historical gems. This should be integrated with the Pune Transport App we have proposed in the public transport chapter of this report.
• Private Sector: We should invite the private sector to join in this mission as this cannot be done by the government alone.
• Marketing: A marketing campaign on the lines of Madhya Pradesh (Heart of India), Rajasthan and Gujarat could go a long way in attracting tourism revenue.