Who is eligible to apply for the MDA scheme?

Exporters, especially SMEs and MSMEs, are eligible to apply, provided they meet the specific criteria set by the government.

What type of marketing activities are covered under MDA?

Activities such as participating in trade fairs, advertising in foreign media, and conducting market research are supported.

How much financial assistance can one expect from MDA?

The amount varies depending on the type of activity, but it typically covers a portion of the expenses incurred for promotional activities.

How can I apply for the MDA scheme?

Applications can be submitted online through the Ministry of Commerce’s portal or via relevant Export Promotion Councils.

Are there any specific sectors that benefit more from MDA?

While MDA covers various sectors, it is particularly beneficial for sectors like textiles, handicrafts, and agro-products.

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Unlocking Opportunities: Marketing Development Assistance Explained

Jaagruk Bharat

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Updated: 28-01-2025 at 7:11 AM

Unlocking Opportunities: Marketing Development Assistance Explained

The Ministry of Tourism launched the Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme/ Export Promotion Scheme as part of the Overseas Promotion & Publicity (OPP) Scheme. The Marketing Development Assistance Scheme provides financial support to tourism service providers, approved by the Ministry or State/UT governments, to promote and market India in other countries.

Name of the scheme	Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme
Launched in	2004
Ministry	Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Objective	To promote tourism and enhance India’s presence in the international tourism markets
Benefits	Financial aid of up to 90% of air travel, other related costs, lodging expenses for promotional tours, etc.
Application mode	Online

What Is The Marketing Development Assistance Scheme?

This central government scheme aims to encourage tourism from overseas and boost the number of foreign tourists visiting India. With the help of this government scheme tourism will increase, which will also increase employment in the country.

Objectives

There are various key objectives of the Marketing Development Assistance Scheme. Some of the key objectives are mentioned below.

Enhances the visibility and appeal of India’s diverse tourism offers in the international markets.
Provides financial aid to approved TSPs for marketing and promotional activities abroad so that they can reach a wider audience.
Aim to boost international arrivals in India by creating awareness about all India has to offer.

Benefits

This Marketing Development Assistance Scheme will not only help tourism but will also help fight unemployment in the country. Let’s take a look at the benefits offered in this govt scheme.

Benefits For Tourism Service Providers

Financial support is available for study tours and participation in travel shows, exhibitions, and roadshows in other countries, up to ₹3,50,000 per case or tour.
90% of the economy ticket airfare between India to other countries will be taken care of.
90% support for costs related to built-up or furnished stalls, electricity, water charges, and participation fees at travel fairs or exhibitions held overseas.
Lodging expenses for up to 5 nights, with a maximum room rate of ₹10,000 per night.

Benefits For Tourism Departments of State Governments or UT Administrations

Financial support is available for participation in overseas travel shows and exhibitions, with an overall ceiling of ₹3,50,000.
Representatives of State Governments or UTs do not receive financial assistance for international airfare or lodging as they are provided TA or DA by their respective States or UTs.

Benefits For Tourism Service Providers or Tourism Departments of State Governments or UT Administrations

Financial support is available for the online promotion of tourism destinations and products in other countries, including creating digital content.
The Export Promotion Scheme support covers 50% of the total cost, up to ₹1,00,000 per year, based on the actual expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

For people who want to apply for this government scheme, the following eligibility criteria have to be met. Keep all of the points in mind to access the benefits of the Sarkari Yojana.

Tourism service providers like travel agents, inbound tour operators, tourist transport operators, classified hotels, bed & breakfast units, homestays, motels, guest houses, tented accommodation units, standalone restaurants, convention centres, and online aggregators.
Service providers must be approved by the Ministry of Tourism or the specific State/UT’s Tourism Department.
Approved service providers having a fee of ₹1 crore to ₹2 crore in 2018-19 or 2019-20 can undertake a maximum of two tours in one financial year.
Approved service providers showing a fee of ₹2 crore or more in 2018-19 or 2019-20 can undertake a maximum of three tours in one financial year.
Tourism departments of State Governments or UT Administrations are also eligible for benefits under the government scheme without the above eligibility conditions.

Application Process

People who meet the eligibility criteria can follow these steps to apply for the Marketing Development Assistance Scheme.

Steps To Apply For Prior Approval

For prior approval, the following steps can be followed.

Step 1: Tourism Service Providers (TSPs), State Governments (SGs), and Union Territories (UTs) must get prior approval from the Ministry of Tourism.

Step 2: Download the prior approval application form (Annexure-I).

Step 3: Fill in the form with the necessary details.

Step 4: Attach the necessary details.

Step 5: Submit the completed and signed application form at least 21 days before the tour.

Step 6: Send the application to their official mail.

Steps To Apply For The Reimbursement Claims

After the tour, the following steps can be followed to get the repayment claims.

Step 1: Download the claim application forms (Annexure II, III & IV). Step 2: Fill in the necessary details.

Step 3: Attach the required documents.

Step 4: Submit the completed and signed application form within 45 days of finishing the activity to their official mail.

Note: Submission of claims in physical form will not be accepted.

Documents Required

The following documents have to be submitted along with the prior approval form and the reimbursement claim form.

Documents Required For Prior Approval

Proof of TSP approval by the Ministry of Tourism or State/UT Tourism Department.
Declaration/Undertaking of no investigation or debarment.
Fee certificate certified by a Chartered Accountant.

Documents Required For Reimbursement Claim

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 stay.

Conclusion

The Marketing Development Assistance Scheme helps tourism grow and also enhances the number of tourists who visit India. It helps tourists learn about India’s culture and heritage. This will also increase the employment rate of the nation. The government scheme supports local businesses involved in tourism by giving them a platform to reach international markets. Additionally, it strengthens India's global image as a top travel destination as well.

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