Tourism Policy 2024: Maharashtra Bets Big On Jobs, Investment, And Local Growth

The Maharashtra government has released a new tourism policy that sets some ambitious but achievable goals. It wants to bring in Rs 1 lakh crore in private investment and generate 18 lakh jobs over the next decade. The plan encompasses everything from big-ticket hotel projects to small homestays and also focuses on community-based tourism. It is also based on incentives, quicker clearances, and providing stronger infrastructure. Also, it puts stress on sustainability and local participation. Says Dr Atul Patne, IAS, Principal Secretary, Tourism Department, Maharashtra Tourism, “The Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024 is a transformative step towards sustainable and inclusive growth. By prioritising eco-friendly infrastructure, adventure tourism, and digital innovation, we aim to preserve our rich cultural heritage and natural beauty while enhancing visitor experiences. This policy not only invites global travellers to explore Maharashtra’s iconic landmarks and hidden treasures but also fosters job creation and economic prosperity, positioning the state as a premier tourism destination in India. Overall, the new tourism policy is envisioned as a blueprint for holistic growth in the sector, creating jobs, supporting local economies, and positioning Maharashtra as a leading player in India’s tourism industry for years to come.”The Tourism Policy 2024 has seen a strong uptake as with dozens securing approvals across key incentive schemes. MONEY ON THE TABLE FOR THOSE WHO INVESTTo enhance the participation of the private sector in the development of the tourism sector, the state intends to develop an environment that develops a policy framework that specifically focuses on attracting private participation when it comes to investments and resources.The policy offers a structured set of capital subsidies for tourism businesses, depending on their type and scale. Large hotels, eco-resorts, restaurants, ropeways, adventure sports facilities — all are covered.CAPITAL SUBSIDY STRUCTURE In addition, there are State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) refunds, five per cent interest subventions, and electricity duty waivers.FOCUS AREAS THAT MATTERThe state has picked specific areas that it wants to develop more actively, such as coastal tourism, rural tourism, heritage sites, and event-based tourism. These sectors get added support in terms of funding and fast-tracked infrastructure.THRUST AREAS AT A GLANCEMORE INCLUSIVE, MORE GROUNDEDThere’s a conscious attempt to make tourism more inclusive. Projects where women, scheduled caste/scheduled tribe (SC/ST) entrepreneurs, or people with disabilities hold at least 51 per cent stake are offered an extra five per cent subsidy, Schools and colleges have the option to apply for grants through the YUVA tourism clubs scheme. Here, each institution gets Rs 25,000 per year for tourism-related activities.FOCUS ON SKILLED MANPOWER IN THE SECTORBusinesses can claim up to 75 per cent of the skill training cost with a cap of Rs 12,000 per employee. Registered individuals from the tourism sector can also avail of the skill training benefit. The aim is to create a pool of skilled manpower in the tourist sector in the state.TOURISM MITRAS FOR ON-GROUND SUPPORTTo make sure that travel sports are cleaner and safer, the government has a plan to deploy a special task force known as a Tourism Mitra at major tourist locations. These will be trained personnel who act as tourist guides, safety monitors, and local culture ambassadors. They’ll also work with local police in case of emergencies.BIG EVENTS, BIGGER VISIBILITYTo tap into the fast-growing events sector — especially Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions (MICE) — the state has set up a MICE bureau. This will coordinate with event planners, help with logistics, and promote Maharashtra cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur as event hubs.TOUR OPERATOR SUPPORTThere’s also help for promotion: up to Rs 5 lakh for participating in global tourism expos and 25 per cent of production costs (max Rs 10 lakh) reimbursed for digital marketing content.A STEP FORWARD — WITH THE RIGHT CHECKSThe state tries to make the process easier for investors, more inclusive for locals, and more accessible for tourists. At the same time, it puts a stress on sustainability with a focus on EVs and rainwater harvesting, while discouraging use of plastics at the tourism site at the same time. TO KNOW MORE:Send ‘Hi’ to (WhatsApp logo) +91 94038 78864FOLLOW US ON:FB logo – MaharashtraTourismTwitter logo - @maha_tourismInstagram logo, YouTube logo, Threads logo - maharashtratourismofficial Website: www.maharashtratourism.gov.inFOR BOOKINGS AND RESERVATIONS – mahabooking.comMaharashtra’s Sea Forts: Where History Meets the Coastline