Maharashtra launches ambitious Tourism Policy 2024; game-changer for remote workers!

Maharashtra has launched a visionary Tourism Policy 2024, aiming to transform the state into a premier global destination. Central to the policy is the promotion of ‘workcations’—a remote work and vacation concept, to attract a staggering ₹1 lakh crore in investments, create 18 lakh jobs, and double tourist numbers over the next decade.

The policy outlines plans to develop 50 tourism hubs categorised into A, B, and C tiers, based on size. With tourism projected to drive Maharashtra's GDP growth to 14%, aligning with its $1 trillion economy target by 2028, the tourism policy offers substantial incentives:

• Up to ₹20 crore or 20% of eligible capital investment for hospitality ventures

• 15% of capital investment or up to ₹15 crore for various tourism facilities such as food courts, theatres, malls, and art galleries

• SGST reimbursements, electricity tariff concessions, up to 5% loan subsidies, and enhanced floor space indices in strategic zones.

Focusing on coastal and riverine tourism, the policy includes ambitious plans for cruise development along rivers like Godavari and Narmada, and reservoirs in Konkan, Nashik, and Pune. To ensure safe tourism practices, the policy has also introduced a dedicated Tourism Mitra Dal, manned by Maharashtra Security Force or external agencies.

Maharashtra's new tourism policy sets a bold agenda for sustainable growth, blending innovation with tradition to propel the state as a frontrunner in global tourism offerings.