Maharashtra Unveils Tourism Policy 2024 to Elevate Global Tourist Status

A section of hotel and restaurant owners on Saturday welcomed the Maharashtra government's Tourism Policy 2024, which is aimed at positioning the state as a premier global tourist destination. "This progressive framework, aimed at positioning Maharashtra as a premier global tourist destination, is a game-changer for our industry," the Hotel And Restaurant Association Western India (HRAWI) said in a statement.

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The Maharashtra Cabinet had recently approved a comprehensive tourism policy for 2024, which aims to attract Rs 1,00,000 crore in investment and generate 18 lakh jobs over the next decade. The policy identifies key areas to boost tourism's contribution to Maharashtra's goal of becoming a USD 1 trillion economy by 2028.

Strategic Initiatives and Incentives

The policy's strategic initiatives and incentives are set to attract significant investments, HRAWI president Pradeep Shetty said. Additional Floor Space Index (FSI), relaxed building restrictions to expedite projects, capital subsidies, SGST reimbursement, electricity duty exemptions and interest subventions on loans are some of the key requirements of the industry and once implemented, will give a big boost to the state's tourism and hospitality sector, Shetty said.

It focuses on developing robust infrastructure and partnering with various stakeholders, including tour operators and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, events) organisers, to double revenue generation in their respective sectors. "We eagerly anticipate its effective implementation within the stated objectives and the Ease of Doing Business framework," Shetty added.

Collaborative Efforts

"This progressive policy is a testament to the Maharashtra Government's dedication to making the State a global tourism hub. We are confident that these initiatives will significantly contribute to the socio-economic development of the region and elevate the state's standing in the global tourism landscape."

"We look forward to collaborating with the government to ensure the successful implementation of this policy and transforming the state into a world-class tourist destination," Shetty added.

The new policy aims to position Maharashtra as a top global tourist destination through strategic initiatives and incentives. These measures are expected to attract substantial investments into the state’s tourism sector.