Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme — ₹3.5L Tourism Subsidy — Frequently Asked Questions

A tourism service provider can claim up to ₹3,50,000 for a single overseas tour or promotional activity. Within that limit, the scheme reimburses 90% of economy class airfare between India and overseas markets (plus travel within a group of countries by air or rail), 90% of the cost of taking part in international travel fairs and exhibitions, and lodging for up to 5 nights at no more than ₹10,000 a night. For online promotion of destinations and products abroad, 50% of the cost is covered, up to ₹1,00,000 per financial year. State Governments and UT Administrations receive up to ₹3,50,000, limited to stall-related costs.

Ministry of Tourism-approved tourism service providers qualify — travel agents, inbound tour operators, classified hotels, bed & breakfast units, homestays, motels, guest houses, tented accommodation units, standalone restaurants, convention centres and online aggregators. The Tourism Departments of State Governments and Union Territory Administrations are also eligible. Every applicant must hold approval either from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, or from their own State or UT Tourism Department.

Yes, for private service providers. A minimum annual revenue of ₹1.00 crore to ₹2.00 crore in either of the two preceding financial years (2018-19 or 2019-20 are the examples given) allows participation in up to two overseas promotional tours per financial year. Providers showing ₹2.00 crore or more in either of those years can take up to three tours a year. These revenue conditions are waived for State Government and UT Tourism Departments.

No. The scheme does not list DPIIT recognition or MSME registration among its eligibility conditions. What it requires is approval as a tourism service provider from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, or from your State or Union Territory Tourism Department.

There is no fixed deadline — the scheme is rolling and open throughout the year. Two timing rules do apply to each individual trip, though: the prior approval request must reach the Ministry at least 21 days before the planned overseas tour, and the reimbursement claim must be filed within 45 days of the activity being completed.

Everything is handled online in two stages. First, download the Annexure-I prior approval form from the scheme guidelines, complete every mandatory field, attach self-attested copies of the supporting documents, sign it and email it to the Assistant Director General (Overseas Marketing) at mda-tourism@gov.in at least 21 days before your tour. After the activity ends, download the claim forms — Annexure-II, III and IV — fill them in with the required documents and email them to the same address within 45 days. Physical submissions of claims will not be accepted.

Neither. MDA is a subsidy released as reimbursement after an approved activity has been completed. No stake in your business is taken, so the funding is non-dilutive, and the amount does not have to be paid back.

They are eligible, but not on identical terms. The revenue thresholds that decide how many tours a private provider may undertake do not apply to them. Their support is capped at ₹3,50,000 and is meant for stall-related costs at overseas travel shows and exhibitions, since their travel and daily allowances are usually covered by their own government.

Support covers overseas promotional tours, participation in international travel shows and exhibitions, road shows and study tours, as well as online promotion of tourism destinations and products in overseas markets, including digital content creation.

For prior approval you submit the Annexure-I form along with self-attested copies of the supporting documents it requires. For reimbursement you complete Annexure-II, III and IV and attach expenditure proofs, invoices and the other mandatory documents, self-attested where applicable. All submissions go by email to mda-tourism@gov.in — hard copies are not accepted.

Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme — ₹3.5L Tourism Subsidy is offered by Ministry of Tourism, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.

Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.