Thank PM, MHA and MoT for constantly dialoguing with the tourism industry and taking up the issue of tourist e-visa resumption at the highest level

After almost 18 months of the pandemic, the Government of India has planned to resume inbound tourism from November 15, 2021. Before the pandemic, Indian tourism had seen almost 11 million international inbound tourists, almost 17 million-plus international visitors arrivals and almost $30 billion in forex. Due to the shutdown since the first quarter of 2020, it has created severe financial distress among the tourism, travel and hospitality industry.

All FAITH associations constantly engaged with all the stakeholders of the government constantly emphasised on reopening the borders for international tourists and begin issuing e-tourist visas once the situation came under control and vaccinations picked up. This coupled with the first free 0.5 million free e-tourist visas should act as a jumpstart, especially in the beginning of the peak season. 

"We are thankful to the Prime Minister, Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism for constantly dialoguing with the tourism industry and taking up the issue of tourist e-visa resumption at the highest level. We look forward to a healthy start to inbound tourism and given no third wave hope all countries encourage visitation,” said Nakul Anand, Chairman FAITH.

“We heartily welcome the government’s announcement on the restart of tourist visa issuance by the ministry of home affairs (MHA) for international guests travelling to India starting October 15, 2021 (charter flights) and from November 15, 2021, for regular commercial flights. This coupled with the earlier announcement of free visas for the first five lakh inbound tourists, is a critical move that will give fillip and accelerate a much-needed revival of inbound tourism - a sector that plays a critical role, with over nine per cent contribution to India’s GDP and US$ 30 billion in net foreign exchange receipts; equally a force multiplier in terms of employment generation and skill development across allied sectors,” said Dipak Deva, Managing Director, Travel Corporation of India.