What are the provisions in the Aai policy that are beneficial to women?
The “Aai Policy” focuses on women’s entrepreneurship development, infrastructure for women, safety of women tourists, customised products and concessions, and overall tourism development. To promote women entrepreneurs, interest subsidies of up to 12 percent are provided on loans of up to INR 15 lakh for women-owned tourism businesses, for a period of seven years or until INR 4.5 lakh, whichever is earlier.
Women guides, drivers, tour operators, and other employees will be included in government insurance schemes, with premiums paid for five years. Women tourists will receive a 20 percent discount on MTDC tour packages and 50 percent off online bookings at MTDC resorts from March 1–8, as well as on 22 additional days each year. MTDC properties will provide stalls to women’s self-help groups, and special facilities are being offered for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and mothers with young children.
Together, these provisions position Maharashtra as the first state to integrate gender inclusivity into tourism policy at both economic and experiential levels.