eTV for medical & MICE

The Ministry of Tourism is optimistic about the year ahead with several amendments and additions to e-Tourist Visa (eTV) in play, along with a significant tourism budget allocated in isolation to them.

The first quarter of 2016 has seen a significant growth in visitor arrivals registering about 10 per cent increase in foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) over 2015, and a phenomenal rise in tourists availing eTV facilities. Buoyed by the results, Vinod

Zutshi, Secretary-Tourism, Government of India, elaborates, “Almost 3 lakh tourists have used the eTV services during the first three months of the year, as compared to a total of 4.45 lakh tourists in 2015. At this rate, we feel that an average of one lakh arrivals on eTV per month can be achieved.” The initial announcement of eTV's validity of 30 days resulted in a strong outcry from the industry who urged the government to extend the duration to 60 days. Zutshi affirms that most revisions have been taken into consideration and principally approved. “Reforms in the eTV's validity from 30 days to 60 days has been approved and will be put into action soon,” he states. “While the eTV currently allows singleentry, double-entry on eTV is also on the cards. We are also contemplating on creating an eTV for medical tourism and MICE, as well as a business tourist visa for visitors travelling to India on work purposes.”

Zutshi reveals that for the first time in the history of tourism in India, a significant budget had been passed in isolation under the Demand for Grants. “By large, the infrastructure is the beginning of everything. We have sanctioned 20 projects (circuits) all over the country with more in the pipeline. Projects worth

1,600 crore have been signed for improving infrastructure under Swadesh Darshan while 284 crore have been allotted for the development of the PRASAD scheme circuits.” He adds that the idea is that world class facilities will attract tourists from the world over. “This should trigger a chain reaction among the private sector to fuel investments,” Zutshi asserts.

Reforms in the eTV's validity from 30 days to 60 days has been approved and will be put into action soon. While the eTV currently allows single-entry, double-entry on eTV is also on the cards. We are also contemplating on creating an eTV for medical tourism and MICE, as well as a business tourist visa for visitors travelling to India on work purposes. Vinod Zutshi Secretary-Tourism Government of India