06 Oct, 2026 The Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024 is a 10-year roadmap designed to position Maharashtra as a leading global tourism destination. The policy aims to attract private investment, strengthen tourism infrastructure, generate employment and encourage sustainable tourism development.
Hotels, resorts, agro-tourism operators, homestays, MICE centres and eligible tourism entrepreneurs can explore financial incentives and non-fiscal benefits under the policy, subject to the applicable eligibility conditions and government guidelines.
- Policy period: 10 years
- Policy date: 18 July 2024
- Investment target: ₹1 lakh crore
- Employment target: 18 lakh jobs
- Implementing authority: Directorate of Tourism, Maharashtra
Executive Summary
Targeted private investment over the policy period.
Expected direct and indirect employment opportunities.
For specified eligible accommodation categories, subject to applicable caps and conditions.
For qualifying projects, subject to policy provisions and approval.
The figures above are policy highlights, not a guarantee of subsidy approval. Actual benefits depend on the unit category, project location, eligible investment, classification and applicable government conditions.
Vision, Mission and 10-Year Targets
Policy Vision
To develop Maharashtra as a popular and sustainable tourist destination by adopting global and regional best practices and offering diverse tourism experiences.
Policy Mission
To promote Maharashtra as a preferred tourist destination, improve tourism infrastructure and facilitate investment across the state.
Key Targets
- Private investment: Approximately ₹1,00,000 crore.
- Employment: Approximately 18 lakh direct and indirect jobs.
- Tourism growth: Target a twofold increase in tourist inflow.
- Digital development: Encourage innovation and productivity through digital technologies.
- Economic development: Support the state's wider economic ambitions.
Financial Incentives Under Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024
1. Capital Investment Incentives
The policy provides category-based capital investment incentives for eligible tourism units, subject to the prescribed investment limits and approval conditions.
| Unit category | Examples of eligible activities | Incentive stated in the policy summary |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation A | Hotels, motels, youth hostels, resorts, log huts and cottages | 20% of eligible capital investment, capped at ₹20 crore |
| Accommodation B | Serviced apartments, tourist villas, homestays, agro/rural/eco units, vacation rentals and specified cruise accommodation | 15% of eligible capital investment, capped at ₹15 crore |
| Food and beverages | Wayside amenities, restaurants, food kiosks, food courts and eligible beach facilities | 15%, capped at ₹15 crore |
| Travel and tourism | MICE centres, exhibition spaces, wellness centres and tourism training centres | 15%, capped at ₹15 crore |
| Entertainment and recreation | Ropeways, amusement parks, theme parks, golf courses, caravan parks and specified adventure activities | 15%, capped at ₹15 crore |
| Other tourism units | Eligible handicraft facilities, adventure landing sites, electric vehicles and heritage restoration | 15%, subject to the applicable cap; verify the specific unit category in the official GR |
| Ultra Mega projects | Qualifying Ultra Mega tourism projects across the state | 10%, capped at ₹25 crore, as stated in the supplied summary |
The supplied draft states that capital incentives are disbursed in five equal annual instalments from the Commercial Operation Date (COD). Confirm the applicable conditions and commencement requirements before relying on this provision.
2. Incentives for Large, Mega and Ultra Mega Projects
Additional fiscal benefits may be available to qualifying projects based on their location zone, project classification and applicable eligibility period.
| Benefit | Zone A | Zone B | Zone C | STZ/STD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SGST reimbursement | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
| Electricity duty exemption | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
| Electricity tariff refund | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
| Stamp duty benefit | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
| Interest subvention | Subject to zone-specific loan and benefit caps | Subject to zone-specific loan and benefit caps | Subject to zone-specific loan and benefit caps | Subject to zone-specific loan and benefit caps |
Zone labels, durations, reimbursement calculations and interest-subvention limits must be checked against the official policy tables. The percentages above reflect the supplied draft and should not be treated as independently verified entitlements.
3. Fiscal Incentives for MSME Tourism Units
Eligible MSME tourism units may qualify for selected fiscal incentives, depending on their location and classification.
| Benefit | Zone A | Zone B | Zone C | STZ/STD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SGST reimbursement | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
| Electricity duty exemption | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
| Electricity tariff refund | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
| Interest subvention | Subject to applicable caps | Subject to applicable caps | Subject to applicable caps | Subject to applicable caps |
| Stamp duty benefit | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
4. Benefits for Other Tourism Units
Eligible activities such as agro-tourism, rural tourism, eco-tourism, homestays, caravan parks and specified adventure tourism facilities may qualify for applicable incentives.
- Tax-related benefits: Potential SGST reimbursement and electricity-related benefits under the applicable provisions.
- Interest subvention: Subject to the prescribed loan limits and benefit caps.
- Stamp duty benefits: Subject to the relevant zone and eligibility conditions.
5. Viability Gap Funding (VGF)
- Funding may be available for qualifying tourism infrastructure projects that are not financially viable on a standalone basis.
- The supplied draft specifies support of up to 40% of total project cost.
- Support may be structured as capital and/or operational grants, subject to the applicable approval and funding conditions.
6. Additional Support for Eligible Entrepreneurs
The supplied draft describes an additional capital incentive for qualifying new tourism units owned and managed by women, SC/ST entrepreneurs or persons with disabilities, subject to the specified equity participation and other conditions. Verify the exact eligibility and additional incentive provisions in the official GR.
7. Tour Operators, MICE and Destination Tourism
The supplied draft also describes incentives for qualifying travel operators, MICE activities, destination weddings and medical tourism. These benefits may depend on annual tourist volumes, minimum turnover, destination and other prescribed conditions.
8. Tourism Promotion, Skills and Innovation
The policy summary identifies additional support for activities including:
- Participation in domestic and international tourism exhibitions.
- Rural tourism fairs and community-led tourism initiatives.
- Youth tourism programmes and skill development.
- Tourist guide training and hospitality education.
- Digital tourism tools, audio/video guides and immersive technology.
- Preservation of local arts, crafts, music and cuisine.
- Eco-tourism certification and innovative tourism products.
Specific grant amounts, annual limits, eligible applicants and selection criteria should be verified against the relevant policy clauses and implementation guidelines.
Non-Fiscal Incentives and Ease of Doing Business
1. Tourism Industry Status and Approvals
- Industry status for eligible tourism projects, subject to the applicable provisions.
- Single-window facilitation and streamlined approval processes.
- Investor facilitation through the designated state mechanisms.
- Coordination for applicable environmental and fire clearances.
2. Tax and Development-Related Benefits
- Specified non-agricultural tax and permission-related concessions, subject to eligibility.
- Applicable development-charge benefits for qualifying tourism components.
- Streamlined renewal provisions for specified licences.
3. Infrastructure Support
- Facilitation of road access, water supply and electricity connectivity.
- Coordination for relocation of utility infrastructure where permitted.
- Electricity open-access provisions, subject to applicable regulations.
4. Additional FSI and Space Utilisation
The policy summary identifies additional development potential for eligible tourism and hospitality projects, subject to road width, location, planning regulations and other conditions.
- Greater Mumbai and other Maharashtra regions: Permissible FSI depends on the applicable development-control provisions.
- Premium concessions: May apply to specified regions and qualifying projects.
- Recreational floors: Subject to building-height and applicable development regulations.
- Mixed land use: Subject to permitted uses and applicable planning approvals.
Eligibility and Project Classification
Eligible Tourism Activities
- Accommodation: Hotels, resorts, homestays and specified accommodation facilities.
- Food and beverages: Restaurants, food courts and eligible wayside amenities.
- Travel and tourism: MICE centres, exhibition spaces and eligible wellness facilities.
- Entertainment: Amusement parks, ropeways, golf courses and specified adventure activities.
- Other tourism facilities: Eligible heritage, handicraft, electric-vehicle and tourism-support projects.
Registration, certification and other eligibility requirements must be confirmed for the specific tourism activity. Check the applicable provisions relating to Directorate of Tourism registration and Travel for LiFE certification before applying.
Mega and Ultra Mega Project Classification
| Project category | Location zone | Investment threshold stated in supplied draft | Employment threshold stated in supplied draft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mega | Zone A | ₹300 crore | 400 |
| Mega | Zone B | ₹150 crore | 200 |
| Mega | Zone C | ₹100 crore | 50 |
| Mega | STZ/STD | ₹50 crore | 50 |
| Ultra Mega | Entire state, subject to classification provisions | ₹500 crore | 800 |
Verify the official project-classification thresholds, employment criteria and zone definitions before using this table for investment decisions.
MSME Classification
MSME classification is governed by the applicable Government of India definition and notification. Do not use the investment and employment figures in the supplied draft as a substitute for the current official MSME classification criteria.
Strategic Tourism Development Areas
1. Mumbai Metropolitan Region as a Tourism Hub
The policy proposes strengthening the Mumbai Metropolitan Region's position as a global tourism hub through destination development, investment facilitation and improved visitor experiences.
2. Cruise Tourism
Coastal and inland cruise tourism are identified as development opportunities, including proposed coastal facilities and river-based tourism initiatives. Proposed locations should not be interpreted as completed or operational infrastructure.
3. MICE Tourism
The policy identifies opportunities to develop meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, with a focus on major business and tourism centres such as Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and Nagpur.
4. Special Destination Development
The MAHA Special Destination Development initiative aims to support sustainable tourism destinations across themes such as heritage, spirituality, adventure, eco-tourism, wellness, rural tourism and cruises.
5. Rural Tourism Promotion
Rural tourism initiatives aim to encourage village-level tourism, local employment, cultural preservation, agro-tourism and community-based experiences. Awards and funding are subject to the applicable programme guidelines.
Tourism Mitra and Institutional Framework
Tourism Mitra
The proposed Tourism Mitra framework focuses on tourist assistance, safety, responsible tourism and visitor awareness at tourism destinations.
Implementation Structure
- High Powered Committee: Oversight and approval functions for qualifying projects as prescribed.
- Steering Committee: Policy implementation and investment facilitation.
- Directorate of Tourism: The designated tourism department agency responsible for implementation functions under the policy.
How to Apply for Tourism Policy Benefits
Identify the tourism activity, location, investment, ownership and proposed employment.
Review the applicable policy category, zone, registration requirements and eligibility conditions.
Compile the project report, investment details, land documents, statutory approvals and other prescribed records.
Apply through the official channel designated by the Directorate of Tourism and follow the prescribed process.
Complete the required verification and comply with the conditions for approval and disbursement.
Application channels, certificate requirements, approving authorities, disbursement schedules and transitional provisions must be confirmed against the latest official Government Resolution and implementation guidelines. Eligibility does not guarantee approval or payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024?
It is a state tourism policy introduced to encourage tourism investment, improve infrastructure, generate employment and develop Maharashtra as a competitive tourism destination over a 10-year period.
2. What capital incentive is available?
The incentive depends on the eligible tourism unit category and the applicable investment cap. The supplied draft lists 20% for Accommodation A and 15% for several other categories, subject to prescribed conditions.
3. Can an agro-tourism or rural tourism project qualify?
Eligible agro-tourism and rural tourism activities may qualify, depending on the unit category, registration, location and requirements specified under the policy.
4. Is stamp duty relief available?
The policy summary describes zone-based stamp duty benefits. The applicable relief must be confirmed for the project location, transaction and eligibility category.
5. What is Viability Gap Funding?
VGF is financial support designed to help qualifying infrastructure projects that may not be commercially viable on a standalone basis. The amount and terms depend on the applicable policy and approval.
6. How can a tourism business apply?
Start by checking the official policy and eligibility conditions, then follow the registration and application process prescribed by the Directorate of Tourism, Maharashtra.
7. Are the incentives automatic?
No. Benefits are subject to eligibility, prescribed documentation, approvals, applicable limits and compliance with the relevant policy provisions.
Conclusion
The Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024 presents opportunities for eligible tourism entrepreneurs, hospitality businesses, destination developers and tourism infrastructure investors. However, the benefit available to each project depends on its classification, location, investment structure and compliance with the applicable policy requirements.
Planning a Tourism Project in Maharashtra?
Understand the applicable policy provisions, assess your project eligibility and prepare your documentation before applying for government incentives.
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Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes. Scheme details, financial limits, eligibility criteria and approval procedures must be verified against the latest official Government Resolution, amendments and implementation guidelines. This article does not constitute a guarantee of subsidy approval or disbursement.