Maharashtra tourism dept pushes AI chatbot, digital ticketing for World Tourism Day

The tourism sector is growing worldwide, and digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are set to play a big role in it going forward. New technologies are changing how tourists experience travel and how that experience is managed. Advanced technology is making information and services easier for tourists to access, while also making tourism planning and management more effective.

On the occasion of World Tourism Day 2026, Maharashtra is connecting its rich heritage, culture, nature, spirituality, adventure and local experiences to a modern tourism system through digital technology and AI. Combining technology with human involvement, the state is moving towards offering an easy, safe, inclusive and rich tourism experience. The theme of World Tourism Day 2026 is "Tourism reimagined through a digital agenda and artificial intelligence," reflecting the importance of this shift.

With this in mind, the Maharashtra Tourism Department is using digital technology and AI to try to give tourists an easy, safe and personalised experience. Towards this, the department has taken several steps, including a digital dashboard, smart ticketing, the "Mahaatithi" website, a mobile app, the AI-based "Mahamuni" chatbot, smart parking and a digital skill development programme.

The tourism department's website, which provides complete information about tourism in Maharashtra in one place, is already running. Going forward, a digital dashboard will also be built on the website to provide information on services and schemes, making it easier to understand the situation at the state's various tourist spots and take decisions based on real data. The website provides information on the state's tourist spots, districts, historical and cultural heritage, beaches, scenic locations, religious sites and adventure tourism.

The "Mahaatithi" website is another key digital platform that serves as a trusted link between tourists and people in the tourism sector. It allows direct booking of homestays, bed and breakfasts, hotels, resorts, agro-tourism centres, farm stays and tourism villas. An official mobile app called "Maharashtra Tourism" is also being developed, which will include maps, travel planning, ticket booking, events and emergency contacts. Its aim is to implement the concept of "One App - Complete Maharashtra Tourism Experience."

The AI-based "Mahamuni" chatbot gives tourists quick, personalised information in multiple languages, such as on tourist spots, religious sites, tickets and accommodation. A skill development programme on digital marketing, online booking and cyber security will also be run for local tourism businesses.

A smart parking system has been launched at the Mahalakshmi Temple complex in Kolhapur, where parking space can be booked in advance through a mobile app. The department is also considering installing CCTV and smart entry gates at major tourist spots. Additionally, 10 services of the tourism department are now available online on the MAITRI 2.0 portal, including classification certificates, MSME tourism projects, stamp duty exemptions, and registration for agro, adventure and caravan tourism.