Marketing Development Assistance Scheme
Up to ₹3.5 lakh for overseas travel shows · tourism service providers India
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
💡 Why Startups Should Care
For tourism businesses looking to attract international visitors, direct exposure at overseas travel shows is invaluable — this scheme funds up to ₹3.5 lakh per trip, letting smaller operators compete for global visibility alongside larger players.
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
- Obtain Prior Approval from the Ministry of Tourism before undertaking the overseas activity.
- Submit proof of TSP approval by Ministry of Tourism or State/UT Tourism Department.
- Attach a declaration of no investigation or debarment and FEE certificate.
- Participate in the approved study tour, travel show, or exhibition.
- Submit expense claims for reimbursement after the event.
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
- Proof of TSP approval by Ministry of Tourism or State/UT Tourism Department
- Declaration/undertaking of no investigation or debarment
- FEE certificate
- Expense bills and proof of participation