India may expand visa-on-arrival program

Tourism Minister Shekhawat announced that the ministry is working with the External Affairs Ministry to position India as a leading global travel destination by engaging with key international markets. As part of these efforts, India is exploring visa-on-arrival for top destinations and recently issued one lakh free visas on World Tourism Day to boost inbound travel.

While domestic tourism has surged post-pandemic, international arrivals remain sluggish. The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) has called on the government to increase advertising and overseas promotional campaigns to attract foreign tourists. Despite some recovery, inbound tourism is still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels.

According to a report by hospitality consulting firm Hotelivate, India welcomed 9.2 million foreign tourists in 2023, a decrease from over 10 million in 2018 and 2019. The IATO attributes this decline to insufficient budgetary support for international marketing, particularly in key markets like the UK, Canada, and the US, which are crucial for driving foreign arrivals.

Pradeep Shetty, President of the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), highlighted that around 80% of the hospitality sector remains unorganised. He projected that 50,000 to 60,000 new hotel rooms will be added in the next five years, with 88,706 branded rooms expected to be part of the pipeline by March 2024, indicating potential growth in the organised segment.

Originally Published at TRAVELBIZ