Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024
The Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024 is a visionary 10-year roadmap launched by the Government of Maharashtra to transform the state into a premier global tourism destination.
This investor-centric policy aims to unlock unprecedented opportunities through powerful fiscal incentives, simplified processes, and holistic destination development across 50 sustainable tourism destinations.
The policy focuses on strategic development of Mumbai Metropolitan Region as a global hub, cruise tourism, MICE industry, rural tourism, and niche tourism segments with comprehensive support for private sector participation.
Context: Maharashtra is the 5th most visited state in India with 15 crore 50 lakh annual visitations. The state GDP is ₹31 lakh crores, contributing more than 13% of India's GDP. The state aims to be a USD 1 trillion economy by FY28.
10-Year Transformative Targets
Ambitious goals to position Maharashtra as a leading global tourism destination
Attract fresh private investment into tourism sector over 10 years
Generate direct and indirect employment opportunities
Double domestic and international tourist arrivals
Contribute to making Maharashtra a USD 1 trillion economy by FY28
Strategic Focus Areas
Targeted development in high-growth tourism segments across Maharashtra
MMR Global Tourism Hub
Transform Mumbai Metropolitan Region into world-class hub targeting 25+ million tourists and $55-60 billion revenue by FY30. Average stay to increase from 1-2 days to 3-4 days.
Cruise Tourism
Develop ocean & river cruise tourism along 720km coastline and rivers (Godavari, Narmada, Vashisti) with 8 new tourism jetties at Veldur, Kashid, Arnala, Janjira, Padmadurg, Suvarnadurg, Underi, Durgadi-Kalyan.
MICE Bureau
New body under Principal Secretary/Secretary (Tourism) to attract large-scale Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions. Establishment cost borne by DoT for first 4 years. Focus: MMR, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur.
MAHA Destination Program
Develop 50 sustainable tourism destinations with 100% state funding across 10 major themes: Culture & Heritage, Spiritual, Adventure, Eco-Tourism, Wellness, MICE, Rural, Beach, Cruises, and Niche Tourism.
Rural Tourism
State-wide competition with grants up to ₹10 Crore for villages promoting 8 categories including Agri-Tourism, Heritage, Craft, and Wellness. Annual budget: ₹50 Crore.
Niche Tourism
Promote Rural, Experiential, Agro, Caravan, Tourism Villages, and Eco-Tourism with tailored fiscal and non-fiscal incentives and infrastructure support.
Financial Incentives & Benefits
of eligible capital investment with caps up to ₹20 Crore (Accommodations A)
slab-based: Category A (50% for 5 years), B (75% for 7 years), C/STZ (100% for 10 years), Ultra Mega (100% for 15 years)
on term loans with ceiling from ₹20 Lakhs to ₹75 Lakhs based on category
slab-based: Category A (50%), B (75%), C/STZ (100%)
Detailed Fiscal Incentive Structure (Slab-Based) - For Large, Mega & Ultra Mega Projects
| Incentive | Category A | Category B | Category C | STZ/STD | Ultra Mega |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Period | 5 years | 7 years | 10 years | 10 years | 15 years |
| SGST Reimbursement | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Electricity Duty Exemption | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Electricity Tariff Refund | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Interest Subvention Ceiling | ₹20 Lakhs | ₹25 Lakhs | ₹30 Lakhs | ₹50 Lakhs | ₹75 Lakhs |
| Stamp Duty Exemption | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Zone Definitions: Category A = Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai Municipal Area; Category B = Nasik, Pune, Aurangabad, Nagpur Municipal Corporation; Category C = Rest of Maharashtra; STZ/STD = Specially Declared Tourism Zones. Note: PPP projects of the State shall not be eligible for incentives under Tourism Zones.
Capital Investment Incentive
| Category | Type of Unit | Incentive |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodations (A) | Hotels / Motels / Youth Hostels / Youth Clubs / Resorts / Log Huts / Cottages | 20% of eligible capital investment or ₹20 crore (whichever is less) |
| Accommodations (B) | Serviced Apartments, Tourist Villas, Time-Sharing Resorts, Agro/Rural/Eco tourism units, Homestays, B&B, Vacation Rentals, Tented Accommodation, Tourist Apartments, Bamboo Huts, Tree House, Mud Cottages, Cruise boats, Yachts, Houseboats | 15% of eligible capital investment or ₹15 crore (whichever is less) |
| Food & Beverages | Wayside Amenities, Restaurants, Food kiosks, Food Courts, Beach Shacks, Tents, Glassy Pods | 15% of eligible capital investment or ₹15 crore (whichever is less) |
| Travel & Tourism | MICE/Convention Centres, Exhibition Spaces, Wellness Centres, Tourism/Hospitality Training Centres | 15% of eligible capital investment or ₹15 crore (whichever is less) |
| Entertainment & Recreation | Ropeways, Cable Cars, Amusement Parks, Theme Parks, Adventure tourism, Golf Course, Caravan Parks, Heli Tourism, Unity Malls, AR-VR Zones, 7D Experience, Global Tourism Village, Art and Cultural Center | 15% of eligible capital investment or ₹15 crore (whichever is less) |
| Other Tourism Units | Handloom/Handicraft shops, Adventure tourism landing sites, E-Vehicles, Restoration of Historical/Heritage structures | 15% of eligible capital investment or ₹10 Lakhs (whichever is less) |
| Ultra Mega Project Unit | Entire State | 10% of eligible capital investment or ₹25 crore (whichever is less) |
Payment Terms: Capital Incentive is paid in 5 equal annual installments from Commercial Operation Date (COD). Investment done in previous three years on the date of COD will be eligible only. Permissible Investment Period is 4 years prior to COD.
Special Incentive for Entrepreneurs
Additional 5% capital subsidy for projects owned/led (minimum 51% equity participation) by Women, SC/ST, and Differently-Abled Entrepreneurs. This is over and above the regular capital subsidy benefits.
Viability Gap Funding & Other Key Incentives
Additional financial support mechanisms under the policy
Viability Gap Funding (VGF)
- Up to 40% of total project cost
- Capital grant and/or operational grant
- For projects not financially viable on stand-alone basis
- Provided at project construction stage and/or first 4 years after COD
- Reference to NITI Aayog PPP model documents
- Transaction Advisor(s) to be hired for bid process management
Other Key Incentives
- Quality Certification: Up to ₹2 Lakh (National) / ₹10 Lakh (International)
- Eco Tourism Certification: Up to ₹10 Lakh for first 10 projects
- Innovative Products: ₹50,000 to 10 innovative projects
- Differently Abled Employment: ₹1,500/month per worker (more than 5 workers)
- Skill Development: 100% course fee or ₹12,500 per student (max 600 individuals/year)
- Tourist Guide Remuneration: ₹7,500/month for 3 months (max 100 guides/division)
- YUVA Tourism: ₹25,000 one-time grant to youth clubs
- Hospitality Training: 75% of fees or ₹12,000 (whichever is less)
Eligibility & Project Classification
Who can apply and how projects are classified under the policy
Eligible Tourism Units
- Accommodations (A): Hotels, Motels, Youth Hostels, Youth Clubs, Resorts, Log Huts, Cottages
- Accommodations (B): Serviced Apartments, Apartment Hotel, Tourist Villas, Time-Sharing Resorts, Agro/Rural/Eco units, Homestays, B&B, Vacation Rentals, Tented Accommodation, Tourist Apartments, Bamboo Huts, Tree House, Mud Cottages, Cruise boats, Yachts, Houseboats
- Food & Beverages: Wayside Amenities, Restaurants, Food kiosks, Food Courts, Beach Shacks, Tents, Glassy Pods with Scientific Waste Management
- Travel & Tourism: MICE/Convention Centres, Exhibition Spaces, Wellness Centres, Tourism/Hospitality Training Centres, Hotel Management Institutes, Tourist facilitation centres
- Entertainment & Recreation: Ropeways, Cable Cars, Amusement Parks, Theme Parks, Adventure tourism units, Golf Course, Caravan & Caravan Park, Heli Tourism, Unity Malls, AR-VR Zones, 7D Experience, Global Tourism Village, Art and Cultural Center, Cultural Centre, Amphitheatre, Theatres, Art Galleries, Viewing Gallery, Retail Zones (if part of eligible unit)
- Other Tourism Units: Handloom/Handicraft shops, Adventure tourism landing sites, Hospitality Parks, E-Vehicles for tourist, Restoration/conservation of Historical/Heritage structures
Mandatory: All eligible units must be registered with DoT/Ministry of Tourism (MoT), Govt. of India. Use of Booking platform of DoT (if available) is compulsory. Registration/Certification under mission Travel for LiFE is mandatory.
Project Classification
- Ultra-Mega: ₹500+ Cr investment, 800+ jobs (Entire State)
- Mega (Zone A): ₹300+ Cr investment, 400+ jobs (Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai Municipal Area)
- Mega (Zone B): ₹150+ Cr investment, 200+ jobs (Nasik, Pune, Aurangabad, Nagpur Municipal Corporation)
- Mega (Zone C): ₹100+ Cr investment, 50+ jobs (Rest of Maharashtra)
- STZ/STD: ₹50+ Cr investment, 50+ jobs (Specially Declared Tourism Zones)
- Large Projects: Above MSME threshold but less than Mega projects
- MSME Projects: Micro (up to ₹1 Cr, 10 jobs), Small (up to ₹10 Cr, 15 jobs), Medium (up to ₹50 Cr, 25 jobs)
- Other Units: Homestays, Agro Tourism, etc.
Non-Fiscal Benefits & Ease of Business
Comprehensive support system for tourism project development
Industry Status Benefits
- All tourism projects granted "Industry" status
- Single Window Clearance integration with National System
- Only 10 permits/licenses and 9 self-certificates required
- Environment & Fire Clearances within 01 month
- Open Access Electricity permission
- Priority infrastructure support (roads, water, power)
- License renewal extended to 5 years (from 1 year)
- Full exemption from non-agricultural tax and permit
- Development charges exempted for tourism/hospitality component
Land & Development Benefits
- Additional FSI based on road width (12m: up to 3, 18m: up to 4, 27m: up to 5 for Greater Mumbai; 3, 3.5, 4 for Rest of Maharashtra)
- No premium for additional FSI in Vidarbha, Marathawada, Dhule, Nagpur, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg
- 50% premium discount for other areas and BMC
- Mixed Land Use development permitted
- Recreational floors in hotel buildings (above 15m height, up to 4.5m height, not counted in FSI)
- Relaxed building norms and parking requirements
- Premium, development charges payable in installments
Application Process
Simple 3-step process to avail tourism policy benefits
Registration
Register your tourism project with Directorate of Tourism (DoT) through the online portal. Registration with DoT/MoT is mandatory. Travel for LiFE certification is also mandatory.
Eligibility Certificate
Apply for Eligibility Certificate to Directorate of Tourism based on project classification and location zone. Use of Booking platform of DoT is compulsory if available.
Approval & Benefits
Get approval from relevant committees (HPC under Chief Secretary for Mega/Ultra Mega; DoT for others) and start availing financial incentives. Capital incentive paid in 5 equal annual installments from COD.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Get answers to common questions about Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024
Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024 - Complete Summary
| Policy Name | Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024 |
|---|---|
| GR Number | TDS-2022/09/CR No 542/Tourism-4, Dated 18 July 2024 |
| Validity Period | 10 Years (From 18 July 2024) |
| Implementing Agency | Directorate of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra |
| 10-Year Targets | ₹1,00,000 Cr Investment • 18 Lakh Jobs • 2X Tourist Inflow • $1 Trillion Economy Goal |
| Key Fiscal Incentives | 10-20% Capital Subsidy • 50-100% SGST Reimbursement (slab-based) • 5% Interest Subvention (₹20L-₹75L ceiling) • 50-100% Stamp Duty Exemption (slab-based) • VGF up to 40% • Additional 5% for Women/SC/ST |
| Non-Fiscal Benefits | Industry Status • Single Window Clearance • Additional FSI (up to 5) • Fast-track Approvals (1 month) • License Renewal Every 5 Years • Non-Agricultural Tax Exemption • Development Charges Exemption |
| Strategic Focus | MMR Global Hub • Cruise Tourism (8 Jetties) • MICE Bureau • MAHA Destination Program (50 Destinations) • Rural Tourism (₹50 Cr Annual Budget) • Niche Tourism |
| Annual Budget for Incentives | ₹1,666.00 Crore per year |
| Tourism Mitra | Safe & Responsible Tourism Task Force through Maharashtra Security Force |
| Rural Tourism Awards | State Level: ₹10 Cr (1 winner) • Division Level: ₹5 Cr (6 winners) • Category Level: ₹1 Cr (48 winners) • Total: ₹50 Cr Annual Capital Outlay |
| MMR Targets (FY30) | 25+ Million Tourists • $55-60 Billion Revenue • 3-4 Days Average Stay |
Expert Insight
The Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024 is one of the most comprehensive and investor-friendly tourism policies in India. With its combination of attractive financial incentives (slab-based for maximum flexibility), ease of doing business reforms, and strategic focus on high-growth segments, it presents unprecedented opportunities for hoteliers, resort developers, MICE operators, and tourism infrastructure developers. The policy's clear classification system and transparent application process make it accessible for projects of all sizes. Key takeaway: Investors should carefully evaluate their project classification (Zone A/B/C/STZ) and category to maximize available benefits. The policy's strength lies in its slab-based incentive structure that rewards projects based on location, size, and category.
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