MTDC Announces Rebate For Women Tourists : How It Will Impact?

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation recently announced a list of concessions and facilities for female tourists visiting the state in order to encourage the participation of females in tourism. The gender tourism policy targets solo female travellers as well as senior citizens and aims to make their tours safer and more comfortable.

The draft of the policy prepared by MTDC is called AAI and includes benefits like a 20% rebate on MTDC packages and circuits for women travellers, hiring women drivers for transportation facilities and converting resorts into 'run-by-women' resorts. MTDC will additionally provide a 50% discount at its aquatic sports units and resorts to women tourists around International Women's Day. The policy comes at a time when there are many women aspiring to travel to many places but hesitating because of safety concerns.

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Rebate On Women's Tours In Maharashtra

Women travellers have always felt unsafe and uncomfortable when travelling to new places. Sometimes it's the behaviour of the locals, at other times the struggle of choosing accommodation and transport means that's safe, inexpensive and comfortable. A million considerations that women tourists need to make when visiting a new or unknown place often discourage them from taking a step towards their travel journey. MTDC's AAI policy aims at making it easier for women tourists in the state considering that Maharashtra is one of the top tourist destinations in the world.

The AAI policy also aims at providing opportunities for women entrepreneurs by allowing them space for putting up stalls and counters for promotions. Many states offer concession schemes on travel and transport during International Women's Day and festivals like Raksha Bandhan and Bhai Dooj. Even the Rajasthan government announced recently that it will make travel for women free on March 8 in Rajasthan Roadways buses. The government also approved a 50% concession for women's travel generally in state roadways buses.

However, concessions on transport won't be able to completely eradicate the safety concerns. Even if the fare is exempted for women, they will still feel unsafe once they are alone on a bus, even if they get a 50% discount in resorts, they will still have to think twice before wearing a short dress in a club or going out at night alone. Though concession encourages women to choose public transport, it does not ensure safety to the fullest.

Along with concessions on accommodation and travel, the government should also ensure strict safety measures, quick and efficient redressal of complaints and help desks for women tourists so that they can feel comfortable while travelling and exploring the place, whether alone or in groups.