GFIHRTP

Grant of Financial Incentives for Hotels, Resorts, and Tourism Projects

Financial incentives are available to enhance tourism infrastructure in Puducherry, specifically targeting hotels, resorts, and heritage projects. Eligible applicants can receive substantial capital grants and subsidies based on their establishment's classification, with benefits reaching up to ₹1,00,00,000 for higher-category projects and specific amounts for star-classified and heritage hotels.

State Cash

States / UT: Puducherry

Nodal department: Tourism Department, Puducherry

Scheme for: Individual

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): No

Categories: Travel & Tourism

Sub-categories: Embassies and consulates

Target beneficiaries: Business Entity, Industries

Tags: Hotel, Resort, Tourism, Incentive, Heritage

Details

Launched in 2004, the scheme "Grant of Financial Incentives for Hotels, Resorts, and Tourism Projects" by the Department of Industrial Development (Tourism), Government of Puducherry, aims to encourage private entrepreneurs in the field of tourism by providing financial incentives for the development of hotels, resorts, heritage hotels, and other tourism-related projects. The scheme offers capital grants and subsidies to eligible projects, including star-classified hotels, heritage hotels, and tourism infrastructure like water theme parks, amusement parks, and convention centers. Eligible applicants include those who have financially invested in and developed tourism projects, with incentives ranging from ₹2,00,000/- per room for one-star hotels to 25% of the capital investment (up to ₹1,00,00,000/-) for higher-category projects. The scheme is implemented by the Department of Industrial Development (Tourism), Government of Puducherry.

Benefits

  • Capital Grant for Star-Classified Hotels
  • ₹2,00,000/- per room, subject to a maximum of ₹30,00,000/- for one-star hotels
  • ₹3,00,000/- per room, subject to a maximum of ₹75,00,000/- for two-star hotels
  • ₹3,00,000/- per room, subject to a maximum of ₹1,00,00,000/- for three-star hotels. Capital Grant for Heritage Hotels
  • ₹3,00,000/- per room, subject to a maximum of ₹75,00,000/-
  • The building must be listed in the current list of heritage buildings in Puducherry and conform to architectural and conservation guidelines. Capital Subsidy for Higher-Category Projects 25% of the capital investment, subject to a maximum of ₹1,00,00,000/- for hotels/resorts with more than three-star classification and other tourism projects like water theme parks, amusement parks, yacht marinas, family entertainment centers, convention centers, and cruise tourism. Service Apartments
  • ₹1,00,000/- per apartment, subject to a maximum of ₹6,00,000/- for & 39;Silver& 39; category
  • ₹2,00,000/- per apartment, subject to a maximum of ₹12,00,000/- for & 39;Gold& 39; or higher category. Mode of Disbursement The incentive is directly released to the authorized/approved financial institutions if a loan was taken for the project. If no loan was taken, the amount is released directly to the applicant. Expected Time of Disbursement Priority for disbursement is based on the date of star classification/heritage classification or the date of commercial operation for other tourism projects

Capital Grant for Star-Classified Hotels

  • ₹2,00,000/- per room, subject to a maximum of ₹30,00,000/- for one-star hotels.
  • ₹3,00,000/- per room, subject to a maximum of ₹75,00,000/- for two-star hotels.
  • ₹3,00,000/- per room, subject to a maximum of ₹1,00,00,000/- for three-star hotels.

Capital Grant for Heritage Hotels

  • ₹3,00,000/- per room, subject to a maximum of ₹75,00,000/-.
  • The building must be listed in the current list of heritage buildings in Puducherry and conform to architectural and conservation guidelines.

Capital Subsidy for Higher-Category Projects

  • 25% of the capital investment, subject to a maximum of ₹1,00,00,000/- for hotels/resorts with more than three-star classification and other tourism projects like water theme parks, amusement parks, yacht marinas, family entertainment centers, convention centers, and cruise tourism.

Service Apartments

  • ₹1,00,000/- per apartment, subject to a maximum of ₹6,00,000/- for 'Silver' category.
  • ₹2,00,000/- per apartment, subject to a maximum of ₹12,00,000/- for 'Gold' or higher category.

Mode of Disbursement

The incentive is directly released to the authorized/approved financial institutions if a loan was taken for the project. If no loan was taken, the amount is released directly to the applicant.

Expected Time of Disbursement

Priority for disbursement is based on the date of star classification/heritage classification or the date of commercial operation for other tourism projects.

Eligibility

  • The scheme applies to star-classified hotels/resorts, heritage hotels, and other tourism projects completed and commissioned from 2005 onwards.
  • The project must be in continuous commercial operation.
  • The applicant must have financially invested in the property and developed the project.
  • The hotel/resort must have star classification or heritage classification approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
  • The project must not have availed any other capital subsidy/incentive from the Government of Puducherry or the Government of India.
  • The project must continue in the same name and style for eight years from the date of release of the incentive.

Exclusions

  • Projects that have already availed capital subsidy/incentive from the Government of Puducherry or the Government of India are not eligible.
  • Demolishing a heritage building and reconstructing it as a heritage hotel is not considered eligible under the scheme.

Application Process

Offline

Step 1: Take a print of the prescribed format of the application form.
Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields and attach copies of all the mandatory documents.
Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form and the documents, within the prescribed period (if any), to the Department of Industrial Development (Tourism), Government of Puducherry.
Step 4: Request a receipt or acknowledgement from the concerned authority to whom the application has been submitted. Ensure that the receipt contains essential details such as the date and time of submission, and a unique identification number (if applicable).

Post-Application Processes

Step 1: A committee consisting of the Secretary to Government (Tourism), Managing Director (PTDC), Member-Secretary (PPA), Commissioner (Puducherry Municipality), Representative of Finance Department, Architect (Representative of INTACH), and Director of Tourism will review the application to determine eligibility and the quantum of incentive.
Step 2: If approved, the incentive will be released directly to the authorized financial institution (if a loan was taken) or to the applicant (if no loan was taken). The incentive may be released in installments.
*The applicant must provide an undertaking on ₹50/- stamp paper, stating that the project will continue in the same name and style for eight years from the date of release of the incentive.

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

Is there a specific time period when the project must have been completed to qualify for incentives?
Yes, the project must have been completed and commissioned, and in continuous commercial operation from the year 2005 onwards.
What is the maximum capital grant available for a one-star hotel under this scheme?
The maximum capital grant for a one-star hotel is ₹2,00,000/- per room, subject to a maximum of ₹30,00,000/-.
How much financial incentive can a two-star hotel receive per room?
A two-star hotel can receive ₹3,00,000/- per room, subject to a maximum of ₹75,00,000/-.
What is the maximum capital grant available for a three-star hotel project?
The maximum capital grant for a three-star hotel is ₹3,00,000/- per room, subject to a maximum of ₹1,00,00,000/-.
Are heritage hotels eligible for financial incentives, and what is the grant amount?
Yes, heritage hotels are eligible for ₹3,00,000/- per room, subject to a maximum of ₹75,00,000/-.
What are the conditions for heritage hotels to qualify for financial incentives?
The building must be listed in the current list of heritage buildings in Puducherry and conform to architectural and conservation guidelines.
What is the capital subsidy for tourism projects like water theme parks and amusement parks?
The capital subsidy is 25% of the investment, subject to a maximum of ₹1,00,00,000/-.
Are service apartments eligible for financial incentives under this scheme?
Yes, service apartments are eligible if they conform to the Ministry of Tourism's "Bed and Breakfast Scheme" guidelines.
What is the financial incentive for 'Silver' category service apartments?
'Silver' category service apartments can receive ₹1,00,000/- per apartment, subject to a maximum of ₹6,00,000/-.
How much incentive can 'Gold' or higher category service apartments receive?
'Gold' or higher category service apartments can receive ₹2,00,000/- per apartment, subject to a maximum of ₹12,00,000/-.
What is the requirement for service apartments to be eligible for incentives?
Service apartments must have commenced construction, completed, commissioned, and be in continuous commercial use after the date of the government order.
Can a project that has already received a capital subsidy from the government apply for this scheme?
No, projects that have already availed capital subsidy/incentive from the Government of Puducherry or India are not eligible.
What is the duration for which the project must continue after receiving the incentive?
The project must continue in the same name and style for eight years from the date of release of the incentive.
What happens if the project is sold or transferred within eight years of receiving the incentive?
If the project is sold, mortgaged, or transferred within eight years, the incentive amount may be recovered with interest and penalty.

References

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Documents Required for Government Schemes

Most government schemes require basic documents for verification. While the exact requirements vary, common documents include:

  • Aadhaar Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Caste Certificate (if applicable)
  • Residence Proof
  • Bank Account Details
  • Educational Certificates (for student schemes)

How to Apply for Government Schemes?

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