Marketing Development Assistance Scheme
The Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme by the Ministry of Tourism helps Ministry-approved Indian tourism businesses and state tourism departments promote India in overseas markets through travel fairs, exhibitions, and digital campaigns. Up to ₹3.5 lakh per overseas tour is reimbursed for airfare, stall costs, and accommodation; digital promotions get 50% reimbursement up to ₹1 lakh per year. Apply by emailing the Ministry at mda-tourism@gov.in at least 21 days before the planned activity.
About This Scheme
The Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme by the Ministry of Tourism helps Ministry-approved Indian tourism businesses and state tourism departments promote India in overseas markets through travel fairs, exhibitions, and digital campaigns. Up to ₹3.5 lakh per overseas tour is reimbursed for airfare, stall costs, and accommodation; digital promotions get 50% reimbursement up to ₹1 lakh per year. Apply by emailing the Ministry at mda-tourism@gov.in at least 21 days before the planned activity.
Full official description
The Ministry of Tourism launched the Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme under the Overseas Promotion & Publicity (OPP) Scheme. The scheme aims to provide financial support to tourism service providers approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India or the respective State Government / Union Territory (UT) Administration for undertaking promotion and marketing of India in the overseas markets.
Objectives:
- To motivate stakeholders to promote tourism to the country from the overseas markets.
- To enhance the visibility of the brand Incredible India in the overseas markets.
- To augment foreign tourist arrivals to the country.
Benefits
- 90% reimbursement of economy class airfare for India-to-overseas travel
- 90% of stall construction, electricity, water, and participation fees at overseas travel fairs and exhibitions
- Lodging support up to ₹10,000 per night for up to 5 nights per tour
- Maximum support of ₹3.5 lakh per overseas tour/case for service providers
- 50% of digital promotion and content creation costs in overseas markets, up to ₹1 lakh per financial year
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be an approved tourism service provider: travel agents, inbound tour operators, classified hotels, B&Bs, homestays, convention centres, standalone restaurants, or online aggregators
- Approval required from the Ministry of Tourism (GoI) or relevant State/UT Tourism Department
- Minimum annual tourism fee of ₹1–2 crore for up to 2 tours per year, or ₹2 crore+ for up to 3 tours per year (based on 2018-19 or 2019-20 figures)
- State Tourism Departments and UT Administrations are eligible without the revenue threshold requirement
How to Apply
Prior Approval:
Step 01: The TSP/SG/UT shall obtain Prior Approval from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, before undertaking a tour overseas.
Step 02: The applicants download the prior approval application form Annexure-I.
Step 03: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).
Step 04: Submit the duly filled and signed application form at least 21 days before the tour to the Assistant Director General (Overseas Marketing) via email at mda-tourism@gov.in.
Reimbursement Claims:
After undertaking the tourism promotional activity/tour abroad for which Prior Approval had been accorded by the Ministry of Tourism the Tourism Service Provider / State Govt./ UT Administration will apply to reimbursement/claim.
Step 01: The applicants download the claim application form Annexure-II, III & IV.
Step 02: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).
Step 03: Submit the duly filled and signed application form within 45 days of completion of the activity to the Assistant Director General (Overseas Marketing), Ministry of Tourism via email at mda-tourism@gov.in.
NOTE: Submission of claims in physical form will not be accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the MDA Scheme?
Approved Tourism Service Providers and State Governments/UT Administrations can apply.
What types of activities are covered under the scheme?
Sales tours, participation in travel fairs/exhibitions, online promotion, and digital content production are covered.
What is the financial support available for TSPs?
Up to 90% of air fare and travel fair costs, and lodging expenses up to [?]10,000 per night for a maximum of 5 nights, with an overall ceiling of [?]3.5 lakh per tour.
How many tours can a TSP undertake in a year under the scheme?
TSPs with FEE of [?]1 crore to [?]2 crore can undertake up to 2 tours; those with FEE of [?]2 crore and above can undertake up to 3 tours.
What is the process for obtaining prior approval?
Submit the application and required documents at least 21 days before the tour via email to mda-tourism@gov.in.
How to claim reimbursement?
Submit the claim within 45 days of return, with required documents, via email to mda-tourism@nic.in.
Are there any specific travel conditions for availing air fare reimbursement?
Yes, travel should be on Air India for sectors directly connected by Air India; otherwise, economy class on shorter routes by other airlines is permissible.
Can financial support be claimed for the same activity from multiple sources?
No, the applicant should not have claimed/received financial assistance for the same activity from any other Government department or agency.
Is the scheme available for all TSPs?
Only TSPs approved by the Ministry of Tourism or State/UT Tourism Departments are eligible.
Can support be claimed for domestic travel?
No, the scheme is for international promotional activities only.
Are there any restrictions on who can undertake the tour from the company?
Only one person, specifically the CEO, Managing Director, Director, Managing Partner, Proprietor, or a regular employee, can undertake the tour.
Is prior approval a guarantee of financial support?
No, prior approval does not ensure financial support. Reimbursement is subject to the submission of complete claims and availability of funds.
How is the priority determined if there are more applications than available funds?
Priority is given to service providers who have not availed of financial assistance in the past under the MDA Scheme.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- > **For Prior Approval:**
- Proof of TSP approval by Ministry of Tourism or State/UT Tourism Department.
- Declaration/Undertaking of no investigation or debarment.
- FEE certificate certified by a Chartered Accountant.
- > **For Reimbursement:**
- Financial assistance details of the past three years.
- Air tickets and boarding passes or passport pages with immigration stamps.
- Tour report (maximum 250 words).
- Original receipts and proof of payments for air tickets, booth setup, participation fees, and lodging.