HRAWI commends Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024

The Hotel and Restaurant Association Western India (HRAWI) has commended the Maharashtra government for its Tourism Policy 2024. The Association highlighted that the annual financial allocation of INR 1,666 Cr for incentives and operational support underscored the government's commitment to enhancing tourism and hospitality infrastructure. The industry is particularly excited about the infrastructural development, which promises fast-track clearances, additional Floor Space Index (FSI) and relaxed building restrictions to expedite projects. Additionally, fiscal incentives such as capital subsidies, SGST reimbursement, electricity duty exemptions and interest subventions on loans, long-standing demands of the hospitality industry, are incorporated into the new policy. Most importantly, HRAWI noted that this policy aligns with the National Tourism Agenda by improving coordination between the State and the Centre.

Pradeep Shetty, President, HRAWI stated that, “We are thrilled about Maharashtra government’s Tourism Policy 2024. This progressive framework, aimed at positioning Maharashtra as a premier global tourist destination, is a game-changer for our industry. The policy’s strategic initiatives and incentives are set to attract significant investments and create over 30 lakh jobs. Additional 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 we believe, once implemented, will give a big boon to the State’s tourism and hospitality sector. We eagerly anticipate its effective implementation within the stated objectives and the ease of doing business framework.”

The policy also prioritises eco-tourism and cultural preservation, incentivizing projects focused on these areas and promoting the revival of indigenous arts, culture and cuisine.

“The industry is glad to see that the government is aware of the ground realities of the sector and has crafted a policy that is tailored to address its needs. In the policy, skill development and research receive a significant boost with reimbursements for hospitality training and financial support for tourism research. ICT enablement and digital promotion are supported through grants for organising national and international tourism events and developing digital publicity materials. More importantly, sustainability is a core focus, with initiatives like no single-use plastic zones, clean drinking water and waste disposal bins in tourist areas. The policy also emphasises local integration, encouraging tourism units to showcase local culture, artefacts and cuisine,” added Shetty.

Aimed at transforming Maharashtra into a premier global tourist destination, the policy targets fresh private investments of approx. INR 1,00,000 cr and the creation of around 18 lakh direct and indirect jobs, through the private sector with the goal of doubling tourist inflow to the state. The key features include a focus on niche tourism segments like eco-tourism, rural tourism and agro-tourism, along with the promotion of cruise tourism, and enhanced MICE facilities.

He further added that, “Specific projects like luxury river cruises on the Sardar Sarovar and budget cruises on the Vashisti River are also included. MMRDA will develop a master plan to transform the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) into a global tourism hub, aiming to boost tourist footfalls to 25 million by 2030 by enhancing length of tourist stay by 3 to 4 days. Segments including Beach, MICE, Cultural & Heritage, Bollywood, Learning & Recreation, Sports, and Wellness Tourism possesses immense potential to draw both national and international tourists while providing an engaging experience.”

The Association has commended the initiative to ensure visitor safety and convenience, essential infrastructure such as Wi-Fi coverage, CCTV surveillance and a 24x7 tourist police helpline. The policy also includes awards for Best Tourism Village, Best Homestay and Agro-Tourism units at various levels. Cruise and river tourism will be enhanced with the development of jetties at various locations, including Veldur, Kashid, Arnala Fort, Janjira Fort, Padmadurg, Suvarnadurg, Underi and Durgadi. The policy supports river tourism on perennial rivers like Godavari, Narmada, Vashisti, Savitri, Krishna and Tapi.

“This progressive policy is a testament to the Maharashtra government's dedication to making the state a global tourism hub. It will not only boost the economy but also showcase Maharashtra's rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes to the world. Also, it complements the vision and efforts of the Government of India under Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, aiming to position India as a tourism powerhouse with a $3 trillion tourism economy and 100 million arrivals by 2047. 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. HRAWI looks forward to collaborating with the Government to ensure the successful implementation of this policy, ultimately transforming Maharashtra into a world-class tourist destination.” he concluded.