India, with its rich traditions and varied landscapes, is preparing to make a major change in its tourism sector with a bold announcement: the granting of 100,000 free visas for international tourists. As part of the Chalo India (Let's go to India), this measure aims to attract travellers from all over the world and revitalise a sector that has been heavily impacted by the pandemic. With this strategy, the Indian government hopes not only to regain the confidence of tourists, but also to stimulate the local economy and strengthen its image on a global scale.
In an ambitious effort to boost its tourism sector, India has decided to grant 100,000 free visas to foreign tourists. This initiative, entitledChalo India"orLet's go to IndiaThe Indian Tourism Minister, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, unveiled the new "Tourism in India" scheme at an event this month. The measure is aimed at attracting new visitors and revitalising the country's tourism economy.
India embarks on a campaign of seduction
The launch of theChalo India"is part of the World Tourism Daycelebrated on September 27. On this day, the Minister announced that the first 100,000 foreign tourists travelling to India will benefit from a no-fee visa. This offer applies to both electronic visas and those issued by embassies.
A tried and tested strategy
This effort is not a first for India. Between 2021 and 2022, the country had already proposed 500,000 free visas to revitalise its tourism sector, which had been badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this previous initiative was to restore travellers' confidence and stimulate the economy, by supporting all players in the tourism sector, from hotels to airlines.
A call to the diaspora
To reinforce this dynamic, the Indian Prime Minister has also appealed to the Indian diaspora, encouraging them to promote India as a tourist destination to their friends abroad. This approach transforms each expatriate into an ambassador for India, playing a key role in the country's attractiveness.
An innovative rewards programme
The "Chalo India"is distinguished by its proposal of a rewards system for members of the diaspora who will succeed in attracting tourists to India. A dedicated website allows participants to create an account, track their contributions and be informed of programme news. Thanks to this platform, expatriates can play an active role in the development of tourism in their country of origin.
Promising figures
The benefits of this initiative are already visible. In June 2024, India hosted a total of 706,045 touristsThis represents a significant increase on the 600,496 recorded the previous month. However, there is still some way to go to reach the record of 1,225,672 visitors recorded in December 2019. This recovery in the sector is essential for the Indian economy.
Optimistic forecasts for the tourism industry
According to World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), India's travel and tourism sector is expected to contribute 21.15 trillion rupees to the national economy in 2024, an increase of 21 % over 2019. Jobs in this sector are also expected to grow significantly, supporting not only tourism but also the development of various local industries.
How to obtain a visa for India
For travellers wishing to take advantage of this offer, it is essential to find out about the different visa options available. Tourists can choose to apply for a e-Visawhich offers a quick and easy procedure for entering India. It is also advisable to consult the embassies and familiarise themselves with the requirements for a successful trip.
Comparison of tourism initiatives in India
| Criteria | Details |
| Number of visas | 100,000 free visas |
| Objective | Revitalising the tourism sector |
| Launch date | 27 September 2024 |
| Type of visa | Electronic visas and visas at the embassy |
| Associated campaign | Chalo India |
| Reminder of past initiatives | 500,000 free visas between 2021 and 2022 |
| Call to the diaspora | Encouraging foreign friends |
| Reward mechanism | Incentives for expatriates attracting tourists |
| Expected impact | Significant increase in visitor numbers |
| Economic projections | 21.15 billion rupees contribution in 2024 |
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