Maharashtra has won the award for Best Indian state for Business Tourism 2012 in United Kingdom. The Asian Business Awards 2012 event was organized by the Eastern Eye, one of the publications of Asian media & Marketing Group on 30th March 2012 in London, UK. Asian Media & Marketing Group also publishes several magazines and digital Media.

There were various categories of awards in business and hospitality sector. The Asian Rich List 2012 was also launched during the ceremony. The event was covered by BBC, Sony TV, Radio and print and on line media in UK. The event was attended by the business tycoons, corporates, and Travel Trade of UK and Ireland. It was also attended by the Lords, MPs, Government officials of UK and film and TV personalities of UK.

Films on Maharashtra were shown during the event. Various attractions including Ajanta Ellora, beaches, Shopping, Deccan Odyssey were appreciated by the gathering present there. This is the first time in the history that an Indian state has won such a prestigious award in the International market. It has given Maharashtra Tourism an excellent publicity in UK and Europe. It will help in the increase of International Tourists in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra Supplement was distributed among the people present in the event.

• Mr. Boris Johnson, Mayor of London was the Chief Guest of the Asian Business awards 2012. The Award for the Best India State for business Tourism was announced by Rt. Hon'ble Barry Gardener MP, and Chairman Labour friends of India. It was presented by Mr. RamnikLal Solanki CBE Editor-in -chief Asian Media and Marketing Group and Rt. hon'ble Keth Vaz MP and Chairman Home affairs select Committee. The Award was received by Mr. Subodh Kinalekar, Manager (Adventure Sports) & publicity and PR, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation.