Marketing Development Assistance Scheme

The Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme, introduced by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, functions within the broader Overseas Promotion & Publicity (OPP) framework. It provides financial support to approved tourism service providers, along with State Government and Union Territory tourism administrations, to promote India in international markets. The scheme aims to enhance the visibility of the "Incredible India" brand, increase foreign tourist arrivals, and contribute to the tourism economy.

By addressing the cost barriers that smaller and medium-sized tourism enterprises face in undertaking international promotional activities, the scheme supports a more inclusive marketing effort for Indian tourism worldwide.

The application process for the Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme is conducted entirely online and is divided into two stages: Prior Approval and Reimbursement Claims.

**Stage 1: Prior Approval**

1. All applicants — including Tourism Service Providers (TSP), State Governments (SG), and Union Territories (UT) — must obtain approval from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, before undertaking any overseas promotional tour. 2. Download the prior approval application form, designated as Annexure-I, from the scheme guidelines. 3. Complete all mandatory fields in the form and attach self-attested copies of all required supporting documents. 4. Send the duly filled and signed application form via email to the Assistant Director General (Overseas Marketing) at mda-tourism@gov.in. 5. Submit the application at least 21 days before the planned overseas tour.

**Stage 2: Reimbursement Claims**

1. After the approved overseas promotional activity or tour is completed, the TSP/SG/UT may apply for financial reimbursement. 2. Download the relevant claim application forms, provided as Annexure-II, III, and IV in the guidelines document. 3. Fill out the forms accurately and attach all mandatory documents, with self-attestation where applicable. 4. Submit the completed and signed claim forms within 45 days of the completion of the activity to the Assistant Director General (Overseas Marketing) at the same email address: mda-tourism@gov.in.

Physical submissions of claims will not be accepted under any circumstances.

The selection process for the Marketing Development Assistance Scheme involves two distinct stages. First, the Overseas Marketing division of the Ministry of Tourism reviews applications submitted under Annexure-I for Prior Approval. This review checks that each application meets the eligibility criteria, contains complete documentation, and aligns with the scheme's objective of promoting Indian tourism abroad. The division verifies that the proposed promotional activities are genuine and well-structured before granting approval.

Once the approved activity is completed, reimbursement claims filed under Annexure-II, III, and IV are examined in detail. This verification cross-checks all expenditure proofs, invoices, and mandatory documents against the approved activity plan and the scheme's financial support limits. The Assistant Director General (Overseas Marketing) oversees this compliance check and ensures that claims are processed without undue delay.