UP govt eyeing investment worth Rs 20,000 crore in tourism sector, to create employment for 10 lakh youths

In order to achieve this ambitious goal, the Government has announced a subsidy of up to Rs 40 crore for investors willing to develop major tourist places in the state as well as lesser-known, but beautiful natural destinations.

It is worth mentioning that the new Tourism Policy was approved at a Cabinet meeting chaired by the CM on Wednesday. The policy gives a lot of relief to investors through rebates and incentives for the development of tourist destinations.

The Yogi Government has taken several initiatives to attract tourists from all over the world in the recent past the most important of which is preparing a blueprint for developing new tourist destinations along with creating thematic circuits by connecting similar religious, geographical and natural sites.

Under the new policy, various types of grants have been announced for entrepreneurs investing in the state. According to the policy, those investing between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 10 crore will get a rebate of 25 per cent, or up to Rs 2 crore. Similarly, entrepreneurs investing between Rs 10 crore and Rs 50 crore will be provided with a 20 per cent subsidy or up to Rs 7.5 crore.

Entrepreneurs with investments between Rs 50 crore and Rs 200 crore will get a subsidy of 15 per cent, or up to Rs 20 crore whereas those investing between Rs 200 crore and Rs 500 crore will be given a rebate of 10 per cent, or up to Rs 25 crore. Besides, the subsidy will be provided at 10 per cent or Rs 40 crore, whichever is higher, to premier investors investing capital above Rs 500 crore.

An additional 5 per cent subsidy will be provided to women and SC and ST entrepreneurs for tourism unit proposals under Focus Tourism Destination (FTO). In addition, eligible tourism units will be provided with an interest subsidy of 5 per cent of the loan amount, or a maximum of Rs 25 lakh per year for a maximum period of 5 years, on bank loan amounts of up to Rs 5 crore for setting up tourism units. Registered tourism units will be eligible for either interest subsidy, or capital subsidy grant.

In the New Tourism Policy, there is also a provision for a 100 per cent exemption in stamp duty and registration fee on the first purchase, lease, or transfer of land for the establishment or expansion of tourism units. Another provision has been made for complete exemption in a change of land use and development charges for all new and expanding tourism units. Apart from this, EPF subsidy on employment generation, special incentives for disabled-friendly units and information and technology enablement, the incentive of up to Rs 50,000 for innovation specific, and assistance of up to Rs 10 lakh for research in the tourism and hospitality industry. Apart from this, an incentive of up to Rs 5 lakh has been arranged for the conservation, promotion and revival of rare and endangered art, culture and cuisine of the state.

There is also a provision to reimburse 50 per cent of the licence fee for bar licence on the premises of heritage hotels in rural areas. Moreover, the State Government will make arrangements for an all-weather road and encroachment-free link road up to the heritage hotels. For uninterrupted power supply, electrical sub-stations, and transformers will be se up and attractive signages will be installed.

The new policy also aims to develop the understanding, need and importance of tourism and culture among the youth and children from the very beginning. Under this, youth tourism clubs have been identified as a means to develop responsible and sustainable tourism in the country. In addition, awards for the Best Tour Operator, Wellness Centre, Hotel, Heritage Hotel, Best Eco-Tourism Operator, Best Eco Resort, Best Homestay and Best Adventure will be given to recognise the exceptional initiatives and quality of service undertaken by various tourism businesses in the state. (ANI)