Published Paper Details:

Tourism has become one of the most dynamic economic sectors globally, contributing significantly to regional development. However, in Maharashtra, tourists often face challenges in accessing trustworthy local guides, discovering lesser-known destinations, and navigating through language and cultural differences. This research introduces "Maharashtra Tour Guide," a role-based smart web application designed to connect tourists with verified local guides, enhance communication, and support digital tourism. Developed using a modern full-stack stack--Vite for frontend tooling, Tailwind CSS for UI design, Node.js and Express.js for backend services, and MongoDB Atlas for scalable data storage--the system provides functionalities such as tour discovery, secure booking, real-time chat, and guide verification by administrators. The paper evaluates each module of the application through functional and integration testing, achieving a 95%+ success rate in all test scenarios. The system's modularity, responsiveness, and secure architecture make it a suitable digital infrastructure for fostering local engagement and promoting smart travel practices. This research not only contributes a practical application but also demonstrates the viability of regional tourism support through scalable and secure web technologies.