The document outlines the Tourism Policy of Maharashtra for 2024, detailing fiscal and non-fiscal incentives aimed at promoting the state's tourism sector and enhancing its global competitiveness.

Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024 Overview ​

The Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024 aims to enhance the state's position as a leading global tourism destination by implementing various fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. ​ The policy focuses on infrastructure development, private sector investment, and sustainable tourism practices. ​

Vision, Mission, and Aim of the Policy

The government envisions Maharashtra as a sustainable tourist destination offering diverse experiences while promoting investment in tourism infrastructure. ​

Vision: Develop Maharashtra as a preferred tourist destination. ​

Mission: Create a conducive environment for private investment in tourism. ​

Aim: Facilitate tourism infrastructure development and enhance tourist experiences.

Objectives of the Tourism Policy ​

The policy sets ambitious targets for tourism growth and job creation over the next decade. ​

Target: Attract INR 1,00,000 Crore in private investments over 10 years. ​

Job Creation: Generate approximately 18 lakh jobs (direct and indirect). ​

Tourist Inflow: Aim to double tourist inflow over 10 years. ​

International Tourists: Enhance infrastructure to attract global visitors. ​

Fiscal and Non-Fiscal Incentives ​

The policy introduces a range of incentives to stimulate tourism investment and development.

Fiscal Incentives: Include capital investment incentives, interest subvention, viability gap funding, and green incentives. ​

Non-Fiscal Incentives: Include industry status, entrepreneurship awards, and integration with the National Single Window System. ​

Focus on Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) ​

The MMR is identified as a growth hub with significant potential for tourism development. ​

Investment: Approximately $15 billion needed to enhance tourism offerings. ​

Tourist Footfall: Target to increase from current levels to over 25 million by FY30. ​

Revenue: Aim to raise tourism revenue from $15 billion to $55-60 billion by 2030. ​

Development of Niche Tourism Sectors ​

The policy emphasizes the development of niche tourism sectors to diversify offerings and support local communities. ​

Niche Areas: Focus on rural tourism, agro-tourism, eco-tourism, and experiential tourism. ​

Cruise Tourism: Leverage Maharashtra's extensive coastline for cruise tourism development. ​

Establishment of Tourism MICE Bureau ​

A dedicated MICE Bureau will be created to promote Maharashtra as a destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. ​

Objectives: Promote Maharashtra for world-class events and streamline event organization processes. ​

Funding: Initial establishment costs covered by the Department of Tourism for the first four years. ​

Marketing and Promotion Strategies ​

A comprehensive marketing strategy will be implemented to enhance Maharashtra's tourism visibility. ​

Digital Marketing: Utilize SEO, content marketing, and social media to reach potential tourists. ​

Events Participation: Engage in international and national events to showcase tourism offerings. ​

Partnerships: Collaborate with other states and tourism operators for joint promotions. ​

MAHA Special Destination Development Program ​

The program aims to develop 50 sustainable tourism destinations across Maharashtra. ​

Objectives: Enhance footfalls, create jobs, and preserve local culture and resources. ​

Key Strategies: Focus on sustainable tourism, integrated development, and domestic tourism promotion. ​

Rural Tourism Competition Initiative

The initiative aims to promote rural tourism by recognizing villages committed to cultural and economic development. ​

Objectives: Empower rural populations and enhance tourism capabilities. ​

Categories: Awards for best tourism villages in various themes such as heritage and adventure tourism. ​

Tourism Zones and Regulations in Maharashtra

The Maharashtra government is establishing designated tourism zones to enhance tourism development while enforcing strict regulations to protect the environment and ensure quality services. These zones will be monitored by various officials to implement government schemes and maintain cleanliness.

• Designated tourism zones will be notified based on existing attractions, connectivity, and infrastructure. ​
• Regulations include a ban on single-use plastics, availability of clean drinking water, and 24/7 tourist police helpline.
• Local bodies are responsible for sanitation and waste management under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan initiative. ​
• The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Gram Panchayat will coordinate tourism development in rural areas. ​

Classification of Tourism Units in Maharashtra

The government classifies tourism units into various categories based on investment and employment generation to promote large-scale investments in the tourism sector. This classification helps in providing targeted incentives and support.

• Mega projects require a minimum investment of INR 300 crore in urban areas and generate at least 400 jobs.
• Large tourism units fall between medium enterprises and mega projects, while MSME units are classified under micro, small, and medium enterprises. ​
• Specific thresholds for investment and employment generation are outlined for each classification.

Eligible Tourism Units for Incentives ​

• Various types of tourism units are eligible for financial incentives to promote investment in the tourism sector. ​ These units include accommodations, food and beverage services, and recreational facilities.
• Categories include hotels, serviced apartments, restaurants, MICE centers, and adventure tourism units.
• All eligible units must register with the Directorate of Tourism and use the booking platform provided by the government. ​
• Additional projects may be considered for incentives upon approval from a High Powered Committee. ​

Fiscal Incentives for Tourism Units

The Maharashtra government offers a range of fiscal incentives to encourage investment in tourism units, including capital investment incentives and SGST reimbursements. These incentives aim to boost the tourism sector's growth.

• Capital investment incentives range from 10% to 20% based on the type of unit, with caps on the maximum amount. ​
• SGST reimbursement varies from 50% to 100% depending on the classification of the tourism unit.
• Additional incentives include electricity duty exemptions, interest subventions, and quality certification reimbursements.

Non-Fiscal Incentives and Support

The government provides non-fiscal incentives to support various tourism initiatives, including agri-tourism, wellness tourism, and caravan tourism. These initiatives aim to diversify tourism offerings and promote sustainable practices.

• Agro-tourism licenses will be issued for 10 years, allowing farmers to engage in tourism-related activities. ​
• Wellness tourism units must enter long-term lease agreements with farmers to qualify for incentives. ​
• Caravan tourism will be promoted through registration and permits for parking in public areas. ​

Implementation and Governance Structure ​

A comprehensive governance structure is established to oversee the implementation of the tourism policy, ensuring effective management and coordination among various stakeholders. ​ This structure includes multiple committees and agencies.

• The State Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (SSMC) will provide guidance and review project performance. ​
• The Directorate of Tourism will act as the nodal agency for policy implementation and project management. ​
• Destination Management Committees (DMCs) will be formed at the district level to oversee local tourism development. ​

Budget and Funding for Tourism Development

The Maharashtra government has allocated significant funds for tourism development, ensuring financial support for various initiatives and projects. ​ This funding is crucial for the successful implementation of the tourism policy.

• An annual budget of INR 1,666 crore has been sanctioned for tourism incentives and development.
• Funds will be utilized for administrative expenses, capacity building, and hiring consultants for project management.
• The budget will support the establishment of a comprehensive portal for monitoring and reporting on tourism projects. ​

Best Tourism Villages – Heritage ​

This category recognizes villages that showcase authentic lifestyles and cultural heritage through their built structures and traditional practices. ​ Eligibility requires at least one heritage tourism product and a lifestyle that reflects local traditions and culture. ​

• Village must have at least one heritage tourism product. ​
• Lifestyle should depict the tradition and culture of the area. ​

Best Tourism Villages - Agri Tourism ​

This category focuses on villages that integrate agricultural practices with tourism to educate and entertain visitors while generating income. ​ The village must provide hands-on agricultural experiences as a major tourist attraction. ​

• Major tourist attraction should be agriculture or related activities. ​
• Village must offer hands-on agricultural experiences to tourists. ​

Best Tourism Villages – Craft ​

This category highlights villages where local artisans produce and promote crafts. ​ Eligibility requires that artisans live in the village and that craft promotion and sales occur on-site. ​

• Crafts must be indigenous to the village. ​
• Artisans should reside and create crafts in the village. ​
• Promotion and selling of crafts must take place in the village. ​

Best Tourism Villages – Responsible Tourism ​

This category emphasizes villages that practice sustainable tourism focusing on social, economic, and environmental sustainability. ​ The village must have been practicing responsible tourism activities for at least three years. ​

• Village must adhere to sustainability practices for resources and environment. ​
• Responsible tourism activities should be practiced for a minimum of three years. ​

Best Tourism Villages – Vibrant Village ​

This category is for villages located in border areas as notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs. ​ The village must be listed as a vibrant village by the Government of India. ​

• Proposed tourism village must be on the list of vibrant villages notified by the Government of India. ​

Best Tourism Villages – Community Based Tourism ​

• This category recognizes villages where the majority of the community is involved in tourism activities, ensuring equitable benefit sharing. ​ At least 75% of the community must be engaged in tourism. ​
• At least 75% of the community should be involved in tourism. ​
• Benefits from tourism must be distributed among the community. ​

Best Tourism Villages – Adventure Tourism ​

This category focuses on villages that offer adventure activities as a primary tourism product. ​ The village must have at least one major adventure activity and demonstrate local engagement in tourism services. ​

• Village should have at least one major adventure activity. ​
• Local people must be adequately engaged by tourism service providers. ​

Best Tourism Villages – Wellness ​

This category highlights villages that provide wellness experiences through Yoga and AYUSH treatments. ​ The village must have certified practitioners for these wellness services. ​

• Village must have certified practitioners for Yoga and AYUSH treatments. ​

Application Process for Best Tourism Village Competition ​

The application process allows a village to apply under a maximum of three categories, followed by evaluations at divisional and state levels. ​ The total annual budget for the program is set at 50 crore INR.

• One village can apply under a maximum of three categories. ​
• Evaluation by divisional and state committees. ​
• Total annual budget allocation is 50 crore INR.

Eligible Tourism Units for Projects ​

This section defines various tourism units eligible for incentives under the Maharashtra Tourism Policy, including criteria for acquired units, adventure tourism, and eco-tourism projects. ​ Specific requirements for each type of unit are outlined.

• Acquired units must have land title in the new owner's name.
• Adventure tourism units must provide required equipment and trained staff. ​
• Eco-tourism units should conform to environment-friendly practices. ​

Summary of Various Tourism Projects

This section provides detailed definitions and requirements for various tourism projects, including hotels, resorts, wellness farms, and more. Each project type has specific criteria regarding facilities, capacity, and operational standards.

• Hotels must have a minimum of 10 lettable rooms and meet star category standards. ​
• Wellness farms should have at least 8 lettable rooms and various health facilities. ​
• Theme parks must include multiple recreational facilities and basic amenities for tourists. ​