The Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme is a part of the Overseas Promotion & Publicity (OPP) Scheme launched by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The scheme aims to provide financial support to tourism service providers approved by the Ministry of Tourism or respective State/Union Territory (UT) administrations. This assistance is provided to help promote India’s tourism in overseas markets by supporting participation in trade shows, exhibitions, and other promotional activities.
Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)
• Objective: To enhance the visibility of the Incredible India brand and promote tourism internationally
• Support Type: Financial assistance for promotional activities abroad
• Maximum Assistance: ₹3,50,000 for tourism service providers for participating in travel shows and exhibitions
• Eligibility: Travel agents, tour operators, classified hotels, restaurants, and more
• Effective Period: Ongoing under Ministry of Tourism
Benefits
For Tourism Service Providers (TSP):
• Economy Class Airfare: 90% of the airfare for travel to the overseas market
• Exhibition Costs: 90% of costs for stall setup, participation fees, and related charges at overseas travel fairs
• Lodging Expenses: Maximum 5 nights with an upper ceiling of ₹10,000 per night
For Tourism Departments of State Governments/UTs:
• Exhibition Costs: Up to ₹3,50,000 for costs related to stalls, participation fees, and electricity/water charges at overseas events.
• No Support for Airfare/Lodging for representatives as the State Governments/UTs provide this.
For Both TSPs and Tourism Departments:
• Online Promotion: 50% of the total cost for digital content creation or promotion, up to ₹1,00,000 per financial year.
Eligibility
For Tourism Service Providers:
• Must be approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, or the respective State/UT Tourism Department
• Must be a travel agent, inbound tour operator, classified hotel, guest house, restaurant, or convention center, etc.
• Minimum turnover of ₹1 crore to ₹2 crore in one of the last two financial years (2018-19 or 2019-20)
• Can apply for a maximum of two tours per year if turnover is ₹1-2 crore
• Three tours per year allowed if turnover exceeds ₹2 crore
For State Governments and UT Administrations:
• Same eligibility criteria apply but without turnover restrictions.
Application Process
Online Process
• Step 1: Obtain Prior Approval from the Ministry of Tourism before organizing an overseas tour or event.
• Step 2: Download and complete the Annexure-I application form. Submit it via email at [email protected] at least 21 days before the planned tour.
• Step 3: After the activity, submit the reimbursement claim (Annexure-II, III, and IV) with necessary documents within 45 days.
Reimbursement Process
• Step 1: Submit the claim along with supporting documents such as receipts, air tickets, and tour reports.
• Step 2: Ensure the claim is submitted only via email, as physical submission is not accepted.
Documents Required
For Prior Approval:
• Proof of TSP approval from Ministry of Tourism or State/UT Tourism Department
• FEE Certificate certified by a Chartered Accountant
• Declaration of no investigation or debarment
For Reimbursement:
• Air tickets, boarding passes, or passport pages with immigration stamps
• Tour report (max 250 words)
• Receipts and proof of payments for airfare, exhibition fees, lodging, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who can apply for the MDA Scheme?
A: Tourism service providers like travel agents, tour operators, classified hotels, and tourism departments of State/UT Governments.
Q: What is the process for obtaining prior approval?
A: Applicants must submit Annexure-I at least 21 days before the planned tour or promotional activity.
Q: How can reimbursement claims be submitted?
A: Claims should be submitted via email to [email protected] within 45 days of completing the activity.
Q: What types of activities are covered under the MDA Scheme?
A: Activities include participation in international trade fairs, exhibitions, and online promotional campaigns for tourism.
Q: What is the financial support available for tourism service providers?
A: The scheme provides 90% support for exhibition costs, airfare, and lodging, with a maximum of ₹3,50,000 per tour.
Q: Can multiple claims be made in a year?
A: Yes, but there are limits based on the turnover of the service provider (two or three tours per year).
Q: What happens if the application is rejected?
A: If the application for prior approval or reimbursement is rejected, the applicant may appeal or submit additional documentation for review.