Tourist Visa-On-Arrival

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture & Tourism Shri Shripad Yesso Naik has said that the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), as part of its on-going activities, annually releases print, electronic, online and outdoor media campaigns in the international markets, under the ‘Incredible India’ brand-line, to promote various tourism destinations and products of the country and to increase foreign tourist arrivals to the country. In addition, a series of promotional activities are being undertaken in important and potential tourist generating markets overseas through the India Tourism Offices abroad with the objective of showcasing India’s tourism potential and promoting tourism to the country. These promotional activities include participation in travel fairs and exhibitions; organising road shows, Know India seminars and workshops; organizing and supporting Indian food and cultural festivals; publication of brochures, offering joint advertising and brochure support, and inviting media personalities, tour operators and opinion makers to visit the country under the Hospitality programme of the Ministry. In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today Shri Naik said, road Shows are being organised in important source markets overseas in collaboration with trade associations to promote tourism to the country. Such Road Shows have been organised in USA, Eastern Europe and China during the current financial year. He said, MoT is organising the International Buddhist Conclave in Bodhgaya, with a visit to Sarnath, in September 2014 with the objective of attracting Buddhist tourists from all over the world especially from Asian countries. MoT is also organising the third annual International Travel Mart at Shillong, Meghalaya in October 2014 with the objective of promoting tourism from the world over, to the North Eastern region. The Minister said, Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVoA) significantly influences the decision to travel to India. The majority of tourists availing Visa on Arrival (VoA) visit India for purposes of holidaying and are independent tourists. The benefits that accrue when VoA is implemented by any country are as follows: i. Reduction in planning time for the international tourist intending to travel to an overseas destination. ii. Attract repeat and weekend visitors. iii. Enhance the image of the country as being “tourist friendly”. Shri Naik said, the decision to extend Visa on Arrival to other countries rests with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The Ministry of Tourism has taken up the matter with MHA in various forums including Inter Ministerial Coordination Committee for Tourism Sector and this year VoA was extended to South Korea.