The “Additional Incentive for Adventure Tour Operators” is a sub-scheme under the broader West Bengal Incentive Scheme 2021 launched by the Department of Tourism, Government of West Bengal. This scheme, introduced on 22nd February 2021, is designed to support and promote adventure tourism by providing financial incentives to eligible tour operators who bring in international and domestic tourists. The scheme is operational until 31st December 2025.
Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)
• Scheme Start Date: 22nd February 2021
• Valid Until: 31st December 2025
• Target Group: Adventure Tour Operators
• Objective: Provide incentives for purchasing adventure equipment and related accessories
• Support Type: Reimbursement for equipment purchase
• Incentive Classification: Based on the number of tourists served
Benefits
• Group A (International Tourists): 60% reimbursement
• Group B (Domestic Tourists): 70% reimbursement
• Group C: 80% reimbursement
• Group D: 90% reimbursement
• Special Areas: 100% reimbursement
• The reimbursement will cover the cost of tents, dinghies, adventure equipment, and related accessories
• The total incentive will depend on the number of tourists brought in by the operator (50+ international tourists or 100+ domestic tourists)
Eligibility
• Applicable to all new or existing tourism units starting or expanding operations in West Bengal
• Must have brought in more than 50 international tourists or 100 domestic inbound tourists in a financial year
• Must have paid SGST related to these operations
• The applicant must hold a Registration Certificate, Date of Commencement Certificate, and Eligibility Certificate issued by the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation (WBTDC)
• The unit should have commenced operations on or after 22nd February 2021
Exclusions
• Units that have previously received incentives under other schemes are not eligible for additional benefits under this scheme
• Units unable to bring in the required number of tourists in the financial year will not qualify for the subsidy
Application Process
Online
• Step 1: Visit the Shilpasathi Portal
• Step 2: Register a new account by selecting the relevant entity type (e.g., Industry, Business, Society)
• Step 3: Complete the user registration form and verify the email address
• Step 4: Log in and access the application form for Tourism Incentive
• Step 5: Fill in all required details and upload necessary documents
• Step 6: Submit the application and await approval
• Step 7: After approval, download the Registration Certificate and other required documents
Helpdesk
• Address: Protiti, 23, Abanindranath Tagore Sarani (Camac Street), Kolkata – 700017, West Bengal
• Phone: +91 33 2255 3700
• Email: [email protected]
• Toll-Free Helpline: 1800-345-5562
Documents Required
• Corporate Identification Number (CIN) and Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
• PAN and GST documents
• Project Report
• NOC from Pollution Control Board
• Sanction letter from the Financial Institution (if applicable)
• Audited balance sheet for the last 3 years
• Land Deed/Lease Agreement
• Building & Plant Valuation certificates
• Trade license and GST returns
• Receipt for SGST payment
• Invoices for purchased adventure equipment
• Photographs of the stall in trade fairs/exhibitions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What areas are classified under Special Area for incentives?
A: Special areas receive 100% reimbursement for the purchase of equipment and related accessories.
Q: What is the eligibility criterion for tourism units?
A: Units must have brought in 50+ international tourists or 100+ domestic tourists in the financial year and paid SGST.
Q: Can units avail incentives under both this scheme and other state schemes?
A: No, units can only avail of incentives under one scheme for the same investment.
Q: What are the documents required for claiming the subsidy?
A: Documents like CIN, TIN, PAN, GST, audited balance sheets, and trade license along with the purchase receipts for adventure equipment are required.
Q: What is the procedure to apply for this scheme?
A: Applicants need to apply online via the Shilpasathi portal after registering and submitting the necessary details and documents.
Q: How can applicants check the status of their application?
A: Applicants can log in to the Shilpasathi portal to track the status of their application.
Q: What is the significance of the classification of areas into different zones?
A: Different zones are eligible for different reimbursement percentages depending on the location’s classification.