ACOHI has officially declared Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani in Maharashtra as the next international destination for tourism, leisure, and medical tourism. This announcement was made during a national press conference held at the ACOHI Asia National Secretariat in Pune, attended by numerous national and international dignitaries.

Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani are endowed with a rich history, natural beauty, and a colonial heritage that has, until now, been somewhat overlooked. Many Indians often seek international destinations for nature, wildlife, leisure, and value-for-money experiences across Asia and the world, unaware of the incredible gems right in our own backyard in the form of Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani.

“We are committed to developing these areas as prime destinations for tourism, destination weddings, heritage tourism, and national and international medical tourism. Given their proximity to Pune, Mumbai, and Kolhapur, we will also focus on education tourism. We will ensure that major and select hotels are trained and certified to cater to international clients in terms of food, hygiene, safety, tourism, language, etiquette, and more. These hotels will be classified based on their standards and linked with various international embassies, offering international tourists the opportunity to visit and stay in Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani, alongside local and domestic tourists,” stated Dr. Sanee Awsarmmel, Chairman & BOG Chief of ACOHI, during the media address.

He further emphasized, “India boasts numerous heavenly destinations, and by promoting and positioning them on the national and international map, in collaboration with state and local tourism ministries and departments and the hospitality industry, we can significantly reduce the need for Indian tourists to travel abroad.”

ACOHI is delighted to announce the accreditation and certification of its first property, Bella Vista, which has achieved a 4-star grade luxury rating. Bella Vista has met all the stringent criteria and is now part of the premium segment of ACOHI Grading & Accreditation, following a thorough assessment by the ACOHI Board of Governors.

“Accreditations will not only benefit our brand and property but also contribute to creating trust, uniformity, and a secure atmosphere for customers, along with aiding in crime control and safety through ACOHI protocols,” added Dr. Awsarmmel.

Ramesh Gaur, the CEO of Bella Vista, expressed his gratitude for being the first in India’s segment and credited his staff and management for delivering exceptional service and luxury in terms of food, accommodations, value for money, hygiene, safety, and the warm hospitality they provide. Bella Vista’s strategic location amidst stunning natural surroundings and adherence to ACOHI safety parameters set it apart from other hotels.

“We are preparing for a forthcoming event organized by ACOHI, where luminaries from the Indian hospitality industry, Consulate Generals from various countries, Bollywood stars, and government officials from various states will visit Bella Vista to make the much-awaited announcement, officially designating Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani as international destinations,” said Ramesh Gaur.

Apart from adhering to ACOHI’s accreditation and star grading procedures, Bella Vista plans to implement additional measures to ensure customer satisfaction. These include providing alkaline water, pure oil, chemical-free sugar, organic vegetables, A2 milk, and the highest quality spices, in line with ACOHI norms, to enhance food safety, hygiene, and customer experience—a first in Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani.