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Maharashtra’s Tourism Policy

Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2016

This scheme comes into operation with effect from the 1 April, 2016 and shall remain in force for a period of ten years or until substituted.

The Maharashtra government is planning to introduce the New Maharashtra Tourism Policy, which will replace the state's current 2006-released Tourism Policy. This policy will be a component of the state's overall plan to draw in investments from the private sector for the tourism industry. Additionally, this policy will support the development of a pro-growth, pro-environment, and pro-jobs ecosystem in Maharashtra. Maharashtra is one of the few regions in the world which offers multiple types of destinations for its tourists, It has long coastline of 720 kilometers Konkan region. The Western Ghats and the Sahyadri mountain range offer hill. The state is also blessed with rich history, tradition and culture. The tourism industry in India, particularly in Maharashtra, has been significantly impacted by several, interconnected worldwide advances and improvements.

Strategy for Growth of Tourism Sector-

  • Sector growth of 10%per annum and share of 15% in GSDP through tourism and tourism related activities.
  • Create 1 million additional jobs in the tourism sector.
  • Institutional & Governance Mechanism.
  • Development of Special Tourism Districts/Zones.
  • Development of Tourism growth corridors.
  • Public Private Partnership Model for growth in Tourism Sector.
  • Our five step approach for marketing and promotion

Vision, Mission, Objectives and Targets of the Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2016

Vision Mission Objectives Target
Develop Maharashtra as a popular and sustainable tourist destination wherein the state will offer vast experiences on global, regional, and local best practices and standards
  1. 1. Promote the state as Numero Uno tourist destination.
  2. 2. Development of tourism infrastructure across the state.
  3. 3. Facilitate investments in the tourism sector.
  1. 1. Accelerate projects through private sector Investments/PPP mode in tourism sector.
  2. 2. Investment outreach to global investor community in tourism
  3. 3. Development of tourism infrastructure in the state
  4. 4. Develop innovative practices for marketing and promotions
  5. 5. Develop tourist destinations and avenues
  6. 6. Adapt a sustainable approach to tourism development
  1. 1. Maharashtra - leading tourist destination in the world by 2025
  2. 2. Attract investments to the tune of INR 30,000 crore
  3. 3. Create 1 million additional jobs in tourism sector
  4. 4. Double the number of tourism projects in 5 years, triple in 10 years
  5. 5. Double the tourist receipts in 5 years, triple in 10 years
  6. 6. 1 million skilled and semi-skilled resources in the tourism sector

Eligible units that will be covered as a part of this policy are as follows:

  1. 1. Hotels, Heritage Hotels, Resorts and Health Farms, Health & Wellness spa and units registered under The Bed and Breakfast scheme of MTDC/DoT.
  2. 2. Motels and wayside amenities
  3. 3. Apartment Hotels/Service Apartments
  4. 4. Water Sports and Amusement Parks
  5. 5. Arts and Crafts Villages
  6. 6. Golf Courses
  7. 7. Camping, Caravanning and Tent Facilities
  8. 8. Arial Ropeways
  9. 9. Exhibition-cum-Convention Centers
  10. 10. Development of Hill Stations – Tourism units
  11. 11. Adventure Tourism Projects
  12. 12. Houseboats
  13. 13. Eco-Tourism Projects
  14. 14. Museums and Aquariums
  15. 15. Shacks
  16. 16. Medical tourism units
  17. 17. Projects approved by classification Committee of the Tourism Department of the State Government or Govt. of India

Fiscal Incentives-

1. Mega Project classification and threshold limits
Type of Units Zone Classification Fixed Capital Investment
(in INR crore)		 Direct Employment Generation Time Period for Investment
(in months)
Mega project unit A 100 300 60
B 50 150 48
C 25 75 48
STZ/STD 15 45 36
Ultra Mega project unit Entire state 500 750 64
Note:
  1. 1. The eligibility is requested under employment generation, only direct employment will be considered for Mega/ Ultra Mega project status.
  2. 2. For units providing direct employment to at least two times the threshold direct employment as mentioned in table 2; there will be 10% enhancement in IPS and a two year extension in eligibility period.

The major Incentives that shall be received under the scheme shall be reimbursement of Net SGST paid & exemption on various taxes & duties such as Electricity Duty, Stamp duty & Registration Charges.

Zone Eligibility period GST Exemption
Zone B 7 years 75% (Net GST Liability)
Zone C & Special Tourism Districts & Zone 7 years 100% (Net GST Liability)
The above incentives are for MSME units, the same shall change for Large, Mega & Ultra Mega units

A B C STZ/STD
Luxury Tax exemption 50% 75% 100% 100%
Entertainment Tax exemption 50% 75% 100% 100%
Electricity Duty Exemption 50% 75% 100% 100%
Stamp Duty and Registration charges exemption 50% 75% 100% 100%

FSI
  1. 1. Base FSI will be 1.0 for all mega/ultra-mega tourism units. Additional FSI as permissible will be given with an additional premium at ready recknoner rates. This is subject to special restrictions in the zones, as specified by local bodies.
  2. 2. 80 per cent of the total area can be permitted for tourism and the remaining 20 percent for the tourism support activities.
Non- Agricultural Tax Exemption Total exemption from Non-Agricultural Tax to all tourism projects owned by MTDC to be continued.

2. Fiscal incentives to Mega/Ultra Mega projects
A B C STZ/STD Ultra Mega Project unit
Eligibility Period
(in years)		 10 10 15 15 20
Additional incentives for Special tourism zones and Special Tourism districts No increase in water charges for a period of 10 years except urban area (i.e. Municipal Councils/Corporations area). However, any actual increase in the cost of operation of these services shall be recovered from the user as per the guidelines issued by the concerned Departments.

3. Fiscal Incentives to Large units
A B C STZ/STD
Eligibility Period
(in years)		 7 7 10 10
Additional incentives for Special tourism zones and Special Tourism districts
  1. 1. Additional FSI of up to 50 percent with a premium of the existing ready reckoner rates will be given to all tourism projects in STZs and STDs. This is subject to special restrictions in the zones, as specified by local bodies.
  2. 2. No increase in water charges for a period of 10 years except urban area (i.e. Municipal Councils/Corporations area). However, any actual increase in the cost of operation of these services shall be recovered from the user as per the guidelines issued by the concerned Departments.

4. Fiscal Incentives to MSME units
A B C STZ/STD
Eligibility Period
(in years)		 5 5 7 7
Additional incentives for Special tourism zones and Special Tourism districts
  1. 1. Additional FSI of up to 50 percent with a premium of the existing ready reckoner rates will be given to all tourism projects in STZs and STDs. This is subject to special restrictions in the zones, as specified by local bodies.
  2. 2. No increase in water charges for a period of 10 years except urban area (i.e. Municipal Councils/Corporations area). However, any actual increase in the cost of operation of these services shall be recovered from the user as per the guidelines issued by the concerned Departments.

5. Special incentives for key strategic interventions
  • For Sustainable tourism units - 100% reimbursement on achieving the certifications and standards from the Eco-tourism society of India up to an amount of INR 1 lakh.
  • For MICE units - there will be extension in the eligible time period of incentives. The extent of time period will be approved by the HPC.
  • For women entrepreneurs - will be entitled to an additional time period of incentives.
  • For skill development programs - Reimbursement of 100% of Course Fees, up to a maximum of INR 12,500/- per person for course duration of a fortnight or more.
  • Monthly stipend of INR 7,500 /- to be given to tourist guides from the local areas who are registered under MTDC.

Frequently Asked questions [FAQs]:

⭐ What are some key initiatives outlined in the Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2016?

Some key initiatives include developing tourism infrastructure such as roads, airports, and accommodation facilities, promoting adventure tourism, eco-tourism, and wellness tourism, leveraging technology for better tourist services, and enhancing skill development in the tourism sector.

⭐ How does the Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2016 impact investment opportunities for Interlink Capital?

The policy outlines various incentives and support mechanisms to attract investment in tourism infrastructure, hospitality projects, and related sectors. Interlink Capital can leverage these opportunities to explore potential investments in Maharashtra's burgeoning tourism industry.

⭐ How can Interlink Capital actively participate in the implementation of the Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2016?

Interlink Capital can actively participate by exploring investment opportunities in tourism infrastructure projects, engaging in public-private partnerships with the government, providing financial and advisory services to tourism stakeholders, and contributing to the sustainable development of the tourism sector in Maharashtra.