The Maharashtra Government has appointed IAS officer Vikas Pansare as the new Director of the Directorate of Tourism, marking a key administrative change aimed at strengthening the state’s tourism sector. He officially assumed charge of the post in Mumbai on July 30, 2026.
The appointment is part of the state’s recent bureaucratic reshuffle and is expected to provide fresh momentum to tourism promotion, infrastructure development, and destination branding across Maharashtra.
Vikas Pansare Takes Charge as Tourism Director
Before his new assignment, Vikas Pansare served as the Managing Director of the Maharashtra Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (MSSIDC), where he oversaw initiatives related to industrial development and administrative reforms.
Over the years, he has held several important positions in the state government, gaining experience in public administration, policy implementation, and development projects.
Focus on Tourism Promotion and Development
As Director of Tourism, Pansare will be responsible for implementing the state’s tourism policies and promoting Maharashtra as a leading travel destination.
His key responsibilities will include:
- Promoting tourist destinations across Maharashtra.
- Strengthening tourism infrastructure.
- Enhancing destination branding and marketing.
- Encouraging sustainable tourism development.
- Increasing collaboration with private stakeholders to boost tourism investments.
The government expects his administrative experience to support long-term growth in the tourism sector and improve the overall visitor experience.
Building on Previous Initiatives
Vikas Pansare succeeds Mangesh Joshi, who served as Director of Tourism and played an important role in expanding Maharashtra’s tourism ecosystem.
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During his tenure, several initiatives were undertaken to improve tourism infrastructure, promote destinations across the state, and encourage greater private sector participation. These efforts helped enhance Maharashtra’s visibility as a tourist destination at both the national and international levels.
Looking Ahead
The Directorate of Tourism has welcomed Vikas Pansare and expressed confidence that his leadership will help further strengthen Maharashtra’s tourism sector.
With a renewed focus on destination development, sustainable tourism, and effective promotion, the state aims to attract more domestic and international visitors while creating new opportunities for economic growth and employment in the tourism industry.