Consultation Paper on Tourism Policy - 2016

CONSULTATION PAPER
Contents
1
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 3
2
Strategies for the growth of Tourism Sector in Maharashtra ......................................................... 3
2.1
Vision Mission Objectives Targets- Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2015 .................................. 3
2.2
Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2015 - Key Strategic Highlights ................................................. 3
3
Highlights on the key action plan for growth of tourism in Maharashtra ...................................... 4
4
Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2015 – Key Definitions and classifications ........................................ 7
5
6
7
4.1
Tourism Zone Classification .................................................................................................... 7
4.2
Eligible Units............................................................................................................................ 7
4.3
Fixed Capital Investment......................................................................................................... 7
4.4
Employment ............................................................................................................................ 7
4.5
Mega/ Ultra Mega Project Classification ................................................................................ 8
4.6
Large and MSME Project Classification ................................................................................... 8
Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2015 – Fiscal incentives .................................................................... 8
5.1
Fiscal incentives for Mega/ Ultra Mega Projects .................................................................... 8
5.2
Fiscal incentives for Large Projects ....................................................................................... 10
5.3
Fiscal incentives for MSME projects ..................................................................................... 10
5.4
Benefit for some particular cases under Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2006 policy ............. 10
Special incentives for the key strategic interventions in Maharashtra ........................................ 10
6.1
Additional incentives for Sustainable tourism units ............................................................. 10
6.2
Additional incentives for MICE units..................................................................................... 10
6.3
Additional incentives for women .......................................................................................... 10
6.4
Additional incentives for skill development programmes .................................................... 11
6.5
Additional Incentives for Film/Television/Documentaries shot in Maharashtra ................. 11
Annexure – Proposed Event Calender .......................................................................................... 12
1
Introduction
Tourism has become one of the major sectors in ‎international commerce, and represents, at the
same time, one of the main income ‎sources for many developing countries, contributing 9% of
the world GDP – through direct, indirect and induced impact and accounts for USD 1.6 trillion of
world exports (6% of the world exports).
Maharashtra is the leader in the country with respect to foreign tourist arrivals (20.8%) to India and
one of the leading states for domestic tourist visits (7.2%).
2
Strategies for the growth of Tourism Sector in Maharashtra
2.1
Vision Mission Objectives Tar gets - Maharashtra Tourism Policy 201 5
Vision
Mission
Develop Maharashtra as a popular and sustainable tourist destination; promotion of
vast experiences on global, regional, and local best practices and standards; and
provide an inclusive opportunity and access to all socio-economic demographics
 Promote the state as Numero Uno tourist destination
 Develop tourism infrastructure
 Facilitate investments in the tourism sector
Objectives 
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
Targets
2.2
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Promote Private Investments in tourism sector
Accelerate projects through PPP mode
Investment outreach to global investor community in tourism
Creation of tourism infrastructure development
Develop innovative practices for marketing and promotions
Develop tourist destinations and avenues
Adapt a sustainable approach to tourism development
Maharashtra - leading tourist destination in the world by 2025
Attract investments to the tune of INR 30,000 crore
Create 1 million additional jobs in tourism sector
Double the number of tourism projects in 5 years, triple in 10 years
Double the tourist receipts in 5 years, triple in 10 years
1 million skilled and semi-skilled resources in the tourism sector
Maharashtr a Tourism Policy 2015 - Key Strategic Highlights
Sector growth of 10%
p.a and share of 15% in
GSDP
Achieve sectorial growth of 10% p.a and share of 15% in GSDP by
encouraging Mega Project investments especially in less developed
tourism zones, making land available for tourism development,
improving tourism infrastructure throughout the state by investor
facilitation and ease of doing business.
Strategy for creating 1
million jobs
Develop a strategy for creating 1 million jobs by increased focus on
MSME tourism units, offering additional incentives to employmentintensive Mega units, and create a conducive environment for tourism by
boosting employment opportunities in the state.
Development of Special
Tourism Districts/Zones
Nagpur, Aurangabad, Sindhudurg will be marked as Special tourism
districts. Other special areas will be marked as special tourism zones
Development
Tourism
corridors
3
of
growth
Tourism growth corridors will be earmarked across the state and the
state will be further classified into separate tourist cities, tourist clusters
and tourist corridors which will be promoted through identified themes.
Institutional
&
Governance Mechanism
The steering committee under the chairmanship of the Hon. Chief
Minister to approve the tourism strategy for the state; a High Powered
committee under the Hon. Chief Sectary for the approval of the Mega
Projects and for the implementation of the strategy .
A District Tourism Promotion Committee (DTPC) to be formed.
Single Window Clearance for the Hospitality industry and live events in
Maharashtra.
Maharashtra Tourism Investor Facilitation Cell for facilitating
investments in tourism sector in Maharashtra will be constituted.
Events and Exhibitions Board will be created to facilitate events and
promote MICE in the state.
Public
Private
Partnership Model for
growth
in Tourism
Sector
A Transaction Advisory Cell will be established which will provide
advisory services for private sector participation in the developmental
projects carried out across the state of Maharashtra.
The Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra will also
launch a Public Private Partnership Transaction Advisory Cell which
Identify and develop shelf of projects and undertake these projects
through the PPP/JV mode.
Skill Development
Boost Skill Development in tourism sector in Maharashtra by developing
world class institutes, and providing training and certification to guides,
hospitality staff, and other tourism service providers
Special focus on the youth, the women and the differently abled
Set up institute of Travel and Culture university
Highlights on the key action plan for growth of tourism in Maharashtra
Major
strategic
interventions covered
under the Policy
Sustainable Tourism
Rural and Agri Tourism
Caravan Tourism
MICE
(Meetings,
Incentives Conferences
and Exhibitions)
Film and Media tourism
Tourism Police
Smart Ticketing System
Theme based tourism
Explanation
All tourism activities of whatever motivation – holidays, business travel,
conferences, adventure travel and ecotourism etc. – need to be sustainable.
Special focus to utilize the rural landscape of (55% of total area) as an
opportunity for rural tourism. For e.g. Wine tourism (Nashik), Mango tourism
(Ratnagiri), Orange (Nagpur) etc.
Invitation to private players in the form of PPP/JV mode to develop caravan
tourism parks
Develop suitable infrastructure - combination of accommodation and other
conference support facilities to hold a successful meetings, incentives,
conferences and exhibitions
Extend marketing support to promote the state in global film festivals as well as
provide simplification of procedures to obtain approvals for shooting in the state;
Facilitate art villages by bringing in media and entertainment talent under one
hub
Create a tourist friendly police force to a pre-empt and avert any form of crime in
tourism related activities in the state
A seamless travel ticket to major tourist destinations, hotel stays, air and surface
travel within Maharashtra.
In order to provide the tourists with an array of touristic experience, the
Religious Tourism
Heritage Tourism
Beach Tourism
Fort Circuits
Coastal/ Yacht Tourism
Culinary Tourism
Nature Tourism
Department of Tourism will identify various themes which can be distinctly
tagged with the regions in the state. Some of the themes identified are and
elaborated in the subsequent rows
Special pilgrim circuits such as Buddh circuit, Jyotirlingas, the Ashta Vinayaks etc.
will be promoted through various marketing efforts and tour operators.
Maintaining sanctity and cleanliness at the place of pilgrimage can be outsourced
to third party vendors who specialize in such activities
All UNESCO world heritage sites, will be promoted through dedicated marketing
channels,‎which‎will‎include‎‘Road‎shows’‎in‎select‎countries.‎All‎the‎monuments‎
under Archeological Survey of India, State Archeological Department, Heritage
buildings of Mumbai, etc. will be part of the heritage tourism circuit of the state
The DoT will prepare a comprehensive list of restricted and permitted activities
for beaches along the Maharashtra coast line. Some of the activities such as
maintaining sanctity and cleanliness at the place of beaches may be outsourced
to third party vendors who specialize in such activities.
The MTDC will give special licenses to eco-friendly temporary construction on the
beaches of Maharashtra from 1 October to 31 May of every year. All structures
permitted by this license need to stop operation by 31st May and remove
temporary construction by 10th June.
The DoT invites the tour operators to form separate tourist activities around the
fort, island forts and fort circuits. This may constitute the following:
1 Special educational programs on the history of forts
2 Light shows and cultural performances at select forts
3 Conversion of certain sections of select forts into Heritage hotels
4 Forts as exclusive wedding destinations.
5 Balloon Safari in the vicinity of forts or smaller fort circuits
6 Introduction of sea planes through operators along the fort circuit
7 Development of interpretation center across the forts
8 Creation of public amenities such as recreation centers, toilets etc. through
CSR mode
In order to develop coastal tourism and yacht tourism, single entry pass issuing
procedures for yachts will be implemented by MTDC in collaboration with Port
Authorities, Border Patrol, Customs Department, Passport police, and other
authorities concerning coastal gateways. MTDC will also initiate setting up of
infrastructure to support yacht sailing through a PPP mode
The DoT in association with relevant stakeholders will simplify procedures for
sailing across the coastal line of Maharashtra
The delicacies from the regions of Vidharbha, Malwan, Konkan, Kolhapur, street
food of Mumbai, etc. will be promoted through special culinary events and
festivals in the state.
Create project profiles on various segments such as wild life tourism, trekking,
hitch hiking, nature trails, jungle safari, balloon safari, bird watching, camping
activities, etc. It will also earmark specific regions across the state such as
Melghat, Tadoba, Pench, etc. as nature tourism zones and promote it to target
audience. DoT and MTDC will evaluate and create Special Tourism Estates around
nature parks, wild life reserves, etc. This will be created within 10 km radius of
the zone. MTDC will invite public private partnerships, the local communities,
NGOs, and private citizens in wildlife conservation and restoration. Within these
zones, special experiential tourism involving local culture, cuisine, yogic exercise,
wellness centres and other unique local experiences will be promoted.
The MTDC in association Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra will
also consider zoning of the nature and wildlife reserves allowing specific access to
restricted areas. Access to such areas will be facilitated through the smart
ticketing system as mentioned above.
DoT will decide on separate incentives to set up trade cooperatives, involvement
of local communities, skill development and training, homestays and lodging, etc.
Education Tourism
Tiger Eco-tourism
Other themes
Adventure Tourism
Medical Tourism
Other key
include
support
The DoT also invites private and NGO funding mechanism for the revitalization of
denuded buffer zones and corridors.
Develop Pune, Mumbai and Nagpur as major education hubs through which the
tourism related studies and research can be promoted and practiced. It will also
promote and organize tie-ups with world renowned institutes on student
exchange programmes.
MTDC will develop international level tiger eco-tourism parks in a PPP mode. It
will be developed with state-of-the-art facilities at Tadoba and Pench tiger
reserves and promote the same at both national and international events.
MTDC will also design special programs/ infrastructure to connect Tiger EcoTourism Parks to tiger safaris, and tourism estates with tourist amenities, which
will act as gateways to tourist destinations in the area.
DoT will plan policies to promote other themes which include golf tourism, helitourism and sports tourism. It will also plan a special Media and Entertainment
policy to promote the state a multimedia and animation hub.
MTDC will develop these tourism areas through a PPP mode. The regions of
Vidarbha, Konkan, Aurangabad and special tourism zones will be given prime
focus.
Many virgin and emerging areas in the Western Ghats and in the Vidarbha region
can provide a whole new holiday experience
A complete package of medical facilities to foreign as well as domestic travelers
need to be identified and marketed
 Development of wayside amenities on the highways
 Marketing support for both online and offline media
 Promotion of domestic tourism in Maharashtra in 25 cities across in India;
highlighting‎the‎state’s‎estates,‎cuisine,‎culture‎etc.
 Important locations across the world will be targeted for increasing the
tourism footfall in the state. For e.g. the state will market its warm winter
tourism opportunities in niche markets with strong winter climate
 Host travel marts and summits. For e.g. the state will host a travel summit in
Aurangabad in 2016
 Development of an event calendar to celebrate all the festivals
 Registration of Service Providers/Stakeholders
 Mobile Apps for tourist info and tourist safety

Hop-on-hop-off buses

And many other support facilities such as facilitate safety & security, solid
waste management, water & sanitation, cleanliness & hygiene, emergency
medical services, transport infrastructure, guiding services and leisure
activities at identified locations have been planned
Set‎up‎an‎‘Experience‎Maharashtra‎Society’‎on‎the‎basis of Experience India
Society.
Promotion of Make In India and Make in Maharashtra
The policy will be supplemented with a specific action plan for a short and
long term period
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4
Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2015 – Key Definitions and classifications
4.1
Tourism Zone Classification
Zone A
Mumbai, Mumbai Suburban District, Navi Mumbai, Thane and Pune Municipal
Corporation and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation Areas
Zone B
All Municipal Corporations (except areas in Zone A and special tourism districts)
and A Class Municipalities.
Zone C
All districts of Maharashtra except areas in Zone A, B and Special tourism
districts
Special Tourism
Districts of Sindhudurg, Aurangabad and Nagpur
Districts
Special Tourism
High potential zones to be earmarked by DoT
Zones
4.2
Eligible Units
The unit falling in areas as classified above in A, B, C, Special Tourism zones earmarked by MTDC and
Special Tourism districts of Sindhudurg, Aurangabad and Nagpur, for being eligible for the incentives
under the new scheme of incentives in the Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2015, should have a criteria
fulfilled as given below from the date of registration.
4.3
Zone
Classification
Minimum Fixed Capital
Investment
Direct employment
generation
Time period for
investment
A
5 crore
15
3 years
B
2 crore
10
2 years
C
50 lakhs
5
18 months
STD/STZ
50 lakhs
5
15 months
Fixed Capital Inves tment
Fixed Capital Investment (FCI) is the total investment in building and equipment for setting up a
tourism unit. The FCI amount is used to calculate the incentives applicable to a particular tourism
unit.
4.4
Employment
Total direct and permanent employment generated by a tourism unit1
1
Does not include multiplexes and malls
4.5
Mega/ Ultr a Mega Project Classification
Type of Units
Zone
Classification
Fixed Capital Investment in Direct
employment
INR crore
generation
Mega project unit
A
100
300
B
50
150
C
25
75
STD/STZ
15
45
500
750
Ultra Mega project
Entire state
unit
Note:
a. The maximum fiscal incentives that can be realized through this scheme is equal to the fixed
capital investment.
b. The Tourism project should be eligible for 'Mega/ Ultra Mega Project' either by way of
investment or by way of employment generation.
c. Only direct employment should be considered for Mega/ Ultra Mega project status.
d. For units providing direct employment to at least 2 times the threshold direct employment 10% enhancement in subsidy and 2 year extension in eligibility period.
e. Maximum incentive disbursement i.e. the monetary ceiling per year should be equal to FCI
divided by the eligibility period.
4.6
Large and MSME Project Classif ication
Large scale tourism units with investment more than Medium Services Enterprises as defined under
the MSMED Act 2006 but less than Mega projects, will be classified as large scale tourism units.
In accordance with the provision of MSMED Act 2006, the MSME tourism units will be classified
under service enterprises. The new units have to fulfill the minimum criteria as mentioned in section
4.2
5
Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2015 – Fiscal incentives
5.1
Fiscal incentives for M ega/ Ultra Mega Projects
A tourism unit will be awarded a mega/ultra- mega project status as per the Fixed Capital
Investment (FCI) and the direct employment generated. Tourism Units with Fixed Capital
Investments or employing direct regular persons according to the threshold limits as stated in Table
2, will be classified as Mega/ Ultra-Mega projects.
Incentives
A
B
C
STZ/STD
Ultra
Mega
project unit
Eligibility Period (in
years)
10
10
15
15
20
VAT reimbursement
50% Gross 75% Gross 100% Gross 100%
VAT
VAT
VAT
VAT
Gross 100% Gross VAT
Luxury Tax exemption 50%
75%
100%
100%
100%
Entertainment Tax
exemption
50%
75%
100%
100%
100%
Electricity duty
Exemption
50%
75%
100%
100%
100%
Stamp
duty
and
Registration charges 50%
exemption
75%
100%
100%
100%
Property Tax & NonAgricultural Tax
Exemption
Total exemption from Property Tax & Non-Agricultural Tax to all tourism
projects run/owned by MTDC.
Water Rate
The water rate/ tariff to be levied at the prevalent industrial rate for period
of 3/5/7/7/7 years from the date of operation.
Electricity Rate
The electricity rate/tariff to be levied at the prevalent industrial rate for
period of 3/5/7/7/7 years from the date of operation.
FSI
1. Base FSI of 3.0 for all mega/ultra-mega tourism units in the A and B
zones. This is subject to special restrictions in the zones, as specified
by local bodies.
2. 80 per cent of the total area can be permitted for tourism and the
remaining 20 per cent for the tourism support activities.
Employee Provident
100 per cent refund of ESI and EPF for the respective eligible periods.
Fund Refund
Licenses and
Clearances
Tourism projects require various licenses and clearances like lodging house
license, eating house license, Police permissions, license under the Shop &
Establishment Act, and license under the Food & Drug Admin. Act etc.
These licenses have to be renewed every year. By this Policy 2015, these
licenses/permissions will require renewal every 5 years instead of the
present annual renewal.
Additional incentives
for Special tourism
zones and Special
Tourism districts
1. No increase in water and electricity tariff for a period of 10 years.
However any actual increase in the cost of operation of these
services shall be recovered from the user as per the guidelines
issues by the concerned Departments.
2. Entry tax on tourist vehicles shall be fully exempted for 10 years.
5.2
Fiscal incentives for Large Projects
All the above incentives as in Mega/ Ultra Projects remain the same with exception of the following:
1. Eligibility period for A and B areas is 7 years. For areas in C and STZ/STD its 10 years
2. The base FSI is 2.0 and the max. of additional FSI of up to 50 percent will be given to all
tourism projects in STZs and STDs
5.3
Fiscal incentives for M SME projects
All the above incentives as in Mega/ Ultra Projects remain the same with exception of the following:
1. Eligibility period for A and B areas is 5 years. For areas in C and STZ/STD its 7 years
2. The base FSI is 1.5 and the max. of additional FSI of up to 100 percent will be given to all
tourism projects in STZs and STDs
5.4
Benefit for some par ticular cas es under Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2006 policy
Companies which were eligible for luxury tax exemption under the Maharashtra Tourism 2006 policy
will be considered on a case to case basis
6
Special incentives for the key strategic interventions in Maharashtra
6.1
Additional incentives f or Sustainable tourism units
6.2

For all units which have successfully classified under the sustainable tourism practices, there will
be extension in the eligible time period of incentives. The extension of time period will be
approved by the HPC.

100% re-imbursement on achieving the certifications and standards from the Eco-tourism
society of India up to an amount of INR 1 lakh.
Additional incentives f or MICE units

6.3
For all units which are successfully classified under the MICE tourism practices, there will be
extension in the eligible time period of incentives. The extension of time period will be approved
by the HPC.
Additional incentives f or women

6.4
6.5
New Tourism Units owned and managed by women entrepreneurs (with minimum equity
participation of 51% in the entity) and the differently-abled will be entitled to an additional time
period of incentives. The extension of time period will be approved by the HPC.
Additional incentives f or skill development programmes

Industry bodies / chambers of commerce / recognized tourism and hospitality institutions etc.
are encouraged to utilize their CSR funds for the development of tourism human resources for
the state

Special tourism development courses and modules will be imparted in association with the
hoteliers, tour operators, etc. 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
Additional Incentives for Film/Television/Documentaries shot in Maharashtra


Up to 100% of the entertainment tax levied on the movie tickets of the movie will be waived off
if the filmmaker spends 75% or more of the total number of dates allotted to shooting and
canning the film in Maharashtra(except for Zone A areas)
Up to 50% of the entertainment tax levied on the movie tickets of the movie will be waived off if
the filmmaker spends 50%-74% of the of the total number of dates allotted to shooting and
canning the film in Maharashtra(except for Zone A areas)
*****
7
Annexure – Proposed Event Calender