Ranchi: Former team India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is set to become state’s tourism ambassador as the department is preparing to launch a high-profile campaign to promote its destinations, state tourism department secretary Manoj Kumar said. The endorsement, set to be done free of cost by Dhoni, is being seen as a major branding push for the state.According to Kumar, the department has already received the draft sponsorship agreement. “Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation is examining the papers. MSD is doing it without charging any fee; only his conveyance costs will be borne by us when he comes for the shoot,” Kumar said.“We are awaiting the final approval of the minister concerned. Once we have that, our media agency will conceptualise the advertisement campaign and share it with Dhoni’s company for approval,” he added. The agreement is proposed for a period of four years, pending ministerial clearance. Dhoni, a native of Ranchi, enjoys massive global popularity and is expected to draw significant attention and investment to Jharkhand’s natural and cultural sites. “The first advertisement film could be ready in three to four months, depending on his availability. It will be released as part of our tourism promotion drive,” Kumar added. As per the draft agreement, Dhoni will make himself available for a full 8-hour day for promotional shoots. All intellectual property rights of the promotional content will belong to the department of tourism.
