News
Travel
India is aiming to attract one million UK visitors by 2020, Says Tourism Secretary
04 Nov 2015, 06:18 am
New Delhi, Nov 3 (NITN): Vinod Zutshi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism headed the Indian delegation at World Travel Market in London on Tuesday and said that India is aiming to attract one million UK visitors by 2020 through a number of key pro-active initiatives.
The Secretary announced that many of the new initiatives will form part of India’s proposed new National Tourism Policy to catapult tourism to greater heights.
Following the success of India’s Electronic Tourist Visa scheme, launched in November 2014, proposals are already in process to extend the e-Visa’s validity from 30 to 180 days in 2016.
Proposals are also in place to make it available in 150 countries worldwide (currently 113) ensuring multiple or double entry.
Through the new Electronic Tourist Visa, applications are generally processed within three working days.
Speaking on the occasion, Zutshi said that we are committed to make it easy for travellers wanting to come to India, not least through our e-Visa scheme but also the improved air connectivity with India.
"We aim to attract more visitors through the promotion and development of our niche tourism experiences such as adventure, wellness, golf, spiritual and the ‘Paradise Unexplored’- the North East. we are working to improve the infrastructure at many of our beach destinations," the Secretary added.
Stressing India’s appeal as a year-round and diverse destination, Vinod Zutshi further announced the creation of a new Medical Tourism Board and Golf Promotion Committee, both of which are charged with developing the infrastructure, product and appeal of both medical, wellness tourism and golf.
India will also be appointing new tourism marketing representatives in Argentina, Brazil, Russia, China and Japan in the next two years.
India’s largest-ever WTM delegation includes representatives from almost all of India’s states with a record attendance of 6 tourism Ministers and over 50 private India based Travel Organisations and State Governments.
Global tourism arrivals to India in 2014 were 7.68 million, up 10.2% over 2013 – India is outperforming global inbound tourism which rose by just 4.7% in the same period. From the UK, visitor arrivals were 838,860 in 2014, an increase of 3.8% over 2013.
More News
- Passengers urged to document luggage amid Canadian airport drug-tag scheme
- South Africa Goes Visa-Free for Indians, But There’s a Catch
- From War Risks to Medical Bills: Why Indian Travellers Need Better Travel Insurance
- Beyond Books – A College Street Heritage Walk to Trace Kolkata’s Literary and Academic Legacy
- Rare Pahari Art from India’s Himalayas Finds a Home at Smithsonian Museum
- Dubai Unveils Its First Fully Private Beach for Women
- Banksy’s Latest Work Pops Up in London, Sparks Midnight Buzz
- Jalandhar Hosts EgyptAir Roadshow Celebrating Travel, Trade and Cultural Ties
- Indian Travellers Can Now Transit Through France Without a Visa
- Heading to the FIFA World Cup 2026? Why Kissimmee Makes a Smart Stay in Florida
Air India Express launches ...
Air India Express announces the launch of its ‘Xpress Sale,’ offering 5 million seats with savings of up to 50% on Lite (Zero Check-in Baggage) and Value fares across its domestic and international network.
Air India Maharaja Club mem ...
In a major boost for frequent flyers, Air India has expanded its Maharaja Club loyalty programme to allow members to earn and redeem Maharaja Points on Air India Express flights across more than 55 destinations in South, Southeast and West Asia.
IndiGo's New Gaya-Bangkok D ...
Bihar is set to receive a major tourism and connectivity boost after the state cabinet approved a proposal allowing IndiGo to operate direct international flights between Gaya and Bangkok for the next 12 months.