The West Bengal Incentive Scheme: Additional Incentive for Adventure Tour Operators
Department of Tourism, Government of West Bengal · Central government
West Bengal scheme reimburses adventure tour operators 60–100% of costs, based on tourist footfall.
Closed. Applications closed on 31 December 2025. The details below describe the most recent cycle.
Key facts
- Subsidy amount
- Not specified
- Instrument
- Subsidy
- Deadline
- 31 December 2025
- Disbursement
- Reimbursed after spend
About this scheme
## Additional Incentive for Adventure Tour Operators
This sub-scheme operates under the broader West Bengal Incentive Scheme 2021, introduced on February 22, 2021, by the Department of Tourism, Government of West Bengal. Its validity extends until December 31, 2025. The parent scheme seeks to provide financial support to aspiring entrepreneurs, enabling them to establish self-employed ventures and generate employment.
Under this specific component, eligible tourism units receive an additional incentive if they have drawn more than 50 international tourists or 100 domestic inbound visitors within a financial year, as verified through SGST payments. The benefit takes the form of reimbursement for purchases of tents, dinghies, adventure and sports equipment, and related accessories in designated areas. The measure is intended to strengthen West Bengal's adventure tourism sector by helping operators expand their operational capacity and service range.
Who can apply
- Eligible business forms
- Private limited company, Limited liability partnership, One person company, Partnership firm, Sole proprietorship
- Udyam registration
- Not specified
- MSME registration
- Not specified
- DPIIT startup recognition
- Not specified
- GST registration
- Not specified
- Where the business may be based
- West Bengal
- Eligible tourism projects, units, or expansion projects established on or after February 22, 2021. - Hotel Units that commenced commercial operations between January 7, 2015, and December 31, 2020, and were unable to apply under the 2015 scheme due to the absence of a bar. - Units in the private, co-operative, or joint sectors, including companies or undertakings owned or managed by the State Government. - Projects must be supported by a detailed feasibility report. - Projects require approval and sanction from a Central Financial Institution, Commercial Banks, or State Financial Institutions. - Units must hold a Registration Certificate, Date of Commencement Certificate, and Eligibility Certificate issued by the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Limited.
How to apply
The application process is conducted entirely online through the Shilpasathi portal (silpasathi.wb.gov.in).
- **Registration:** - Go to the Shilpasathi portal and select 'Apply online'. - New users should choose 'Create New', specify their entity type, enter the registration number, complete the user registration form, and click 'Register'. Those who already have an account can 'Sign In'. - **Application:** - Access the Shilpasathi portal with your login credentials. - Go to 'ALL SERVICES' and choose 'Tourism Incentive'. - Select 'Create CAF' to obtain your CAF ID, then click 'Apply Online' to begin. - Provide all required information in the common application form. - Upload the necessary documents and press 'Save & Continue'. - Verify the completed application, tick the Declaration checkbox, and press 'Submit'. - SMS and email alerts are sent at important stages, including submission and approval or rejection. - Track the progress of your application using the 'Check status' page. - Once approved, the Registration Certificate can be downloaded from the online system. - Note: Prior to applying for specific incentives, you are required to secure a Registration Certificate, a Date of Commencement Certificate, and an Eligibility Certificate from West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Limited.
How applications are assessed
The relevant authority within the Department of Tourism and West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Limited reviews and approves applications. A unit’s eligibility is judged on the detailed feasibility report, project approval from financial institutions, and tourist footfall benchmarks.
Before the final incentive is disbursed, the scheme mandates the issuance of a Registration Certificate, a Date of Commencement Certificate, and an Eligibility Certificate. These prerequisite stages confirm that all arrangements and legal requirements have been met.
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary objective of the West Bengal Incentive Scheme?
The scheme aims to offer financial assistance to aspiring self-employed youth and entrepreneurs to help them launch their ventures, which in turn creates employment opportunities.
Who is eligible for the 'Additional Incentive for Adventure Tour Operators' sub-scheme?
Units that attract over 50 international or 100 domestic inbound tourists in a financial year, as verified by SGST payments, qualify for this additional incentive.
What kind of expenses are covered under this reimbursement scheme?
The scheme reimburses the purchase of tents, dinghies, adventure and sports equipment, and related accessories.
What are the different reimbursement percentages available?
Reimbursement percentages differ by area group: Group A receives 60%, Group B 70%, Group C 80%, Group D 90%, and Special Areas 100%.
What is the application process for this scheme?
The application is completed entirely online via the Shilpasathi portal, where you register, choose a service, fill out the Common Application Form (CAF), upload documents, and submit.
What certificates are required before applying for incentives?
Applicants must first obtain a Registration Certificate, a Date of Commencement Certificate, and an Eligibility Certificate from the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Limited.
Sectors
- Travel Tourism
- Tourism
- Adventure
- West Bengal
- Reimbursement
- Tour Operators
- Equipment
Details last verified on 3 August 2026. Source: the issuer's published information.