Source: The Gulf News
Travel agents expect big jump in tourist traffic from region
By Sharmila Dhal Chief Reporter Published: 22:17 October 9, 2013
India will grant visas on arrival to citizens of 40 nations, including the UAE, an Indian minister announced on October 8.
Besides the UAE, the 40 nations include Saudi Arabia, US, UK, Canada, Brazil, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, Austria, Denmark, Poland, Norway and Ireland. India now issues visas on arrival to visitors from Japan, Finland, Singapore, Indonesia, New Zealand and the Philippines.
Planning Minister Rajeev Shukla was quoted as saying the government will also grant visas on arrival to travellers older than 60 from all countries and reduce the time needed to give visas to groups attending conventions.
Tour operators and travel agencies welcomed the move, saying it would boost tourism, trade and people-to-people interaction between India and the UAE.
Kulwant Singh Lama, Manag-ing Director of Lama Tours, said he expects a huge jump in his destination management business in India. “With visas on arrival people can travel easily. So we anticipate a big jump in our destination management services which cover airport transfers, ground logistics, hotel accommodations, tours and con-ference bookings.” He said Lama Tours helped process 4,000 Indian visas for UAE travellers last year.
Pramod Thomas, Manager, Holidays, SNTTA, said the new facility will be advantageous for last-minute travellers. “Let’s say you have a long weekend and you suddenly decide to go. You just have to book tickets, take your passports and fly out.”
Emiratis were happy with the new move. Filmmaker Nayla Al Khaja said: “This is fantastic news. The relationship between India and the UAE has a long history and Emiratis travel to India for many reasons. We can now travel to India at a short notice.”
India Tours Operator :Leisure Tours, Luxury Train of India, Educational Tours, Conferences, Incentives, Archaeology, Culinary tours, Cruise handling, Golf, Gourmet, Cultural, Festivals, Historical, Ornithology, Jeep safaris, Special events, Wildlife, Honeymoon Trekking and other special interest tour packages.
does anyone know when it is starting? No date given in the news item?
WHO IS NOT ELIGIBLE:
– Citizens of the above countries who was or whose parents or grand parents (paternal or maternal) was born in, and was permanently resident in Pakistan.
– Persons holding Diplomatic/ Official passports
– A person who is a resident of India and /or works in India
-A person who is declared persona non grata by Government of India and is not the subject of a black list or any warning circular or other restrictive list – See more at: http://incredibleindia.org/india-essentials-travel-tip/travel-tips/getting-your-visa#sthash.gLAoA0AS.dpuf
Thanks, Ata ul Aleem! Just goes to show that we should read the News in detail!
Br Rafiq what Br Ataul Aleem has referred are the old instructions. What you quoted was just new information. However it remained restricted to newspaper. No further details available any where. May be agreement getting in black and white at concerned ministries.