- Inbound tour operators are hopeful about the resumption of their business
- The Indian Association of Tour Operators has urged the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Home Affairs to announce the dates for the restoration of e-visas and tourist visas
- The government has been requested by the IATO to announce SEIS scrips for the financial year 2019-20, as the tour operators are in dire need of funds
THoD Newsdesk, New Delhi: Now that the mass inoculation drive has commenced in the country, inbound tour operators are hopeful about the resumption of their business which has been the worst-hit during the pandemic.
The Indian Association of Tour Operators has urged the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Home Affairs to announce the dates for the restoration of e-visas, tourist visas and for normalisation of international flights. The operators have also asked for a road map pertaining to this, with some tentative dates. As per the body, such a move will not only send a positive message to international tourists about India being ready and prepared to receive them but will also allow inbound tour operators to plan ahead for 2021.
The President of IATO stated, “To save the tourism jobs and the industry, it is imperative that the plan for inbound tourism should start as early as possible for which the Ministry of Tourism and the stakeholders should start international marketing. This can only be possible if the industry stakeholders know of the government’s plans of opening 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.”
IATO has also said that the government should already announce the dates for the commencement of international flights. This is a crucial step as international tourists take at least 3 to 6 months to commence their journey for their holiday travel to any destination, the association mentioned.
Sarkar further added, “Once above decisions are taken, it will create confidence among foreign tour operators and foreign tourists and will send a positive message that India is ready to receive and welcome them. If no timely action 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.”
The government has been requested by the IATO to announce SEIS scrips for the financial year 2019-20, as the tour operators are in dire need of funds.
