In view of the spate of positive developments on Covid-19 vaccines over the last week and announcement from the government officials that the vaccine could be available in the next couple of months, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) has shot out a letter requesting Union Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Home Affairs to announce the dates for restoration of e-Visa and Tourist Visa as well as resumption of international flights at the earliest.
IATO President, Pronab Sarkar,has pointed in the letterthat the move will provide a head start to the inbound tourism which is in a highly stressed stateat the moment in the absence of any tourism business or government aid or stimulus.
Referring to the recent announcement on the availability of Covid-19 vaccines made by Union Health Minister, Dr. Harsh Vardhan and Dr. Randeep Guleria, Director AIIMS, Sarkar in his letter addressed to the Secretary Tourism and Additional Secretary (Foreigners), Ministry of Home Affairs, has mentioned, “It is imperative that our Ministry should plan for inbound tourism to start as early as possible for which Ministry of Tourism and the stakeholders should start international marketing.”
“This can only be possible if the industry stakeholders know of Government’s plans of opening of e-Visa and Tourist Visa and resumption of international flights, so that accordingly we can inform our foreign tour operators and clients and they can promote India as a safe destination well in advance,” he added.
Sarkar stressed that these are necessary steps because international tourists take at least 3 to 6 months to plan their holidays. “Foreign tourists plan their tours well in advance and they will not travel immediately,” he has pointed.
“Once the above decisions are taken, it will create confidence amongst foreign tour operators and foreign tourists and will send a positive message that India is ready to receive and welcome them. If no timely actions is taken by us, foreign tour operators/tourists will look for other destinations and India may lose the chance for the rest of the winter and summer season of 2021,” said Sarkar.
