Ms Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI had an interaction with Shri Sanjay Verma, Secretary – West, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
The MEA was summoned to debate and consider the long delays in the issuing of visas to the United States, Schengen nations, and other countries. In a letter to the Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs, TAAI requested that MEA intervene via a government-to-government conversation to discuss/address the issues.
As the top and oldest trade association, TAAI has advocated for the convenience of travel and tourism with relevant ministries and stakeholders, resulting in increased footfall for outbound, inbound, and local markets. Ms Mayal expressed the industry’s concerns to Shri Verma, saying, “We at TAAI are asking MEA’s support in addressing the issues and challenges encountered by India’s travel trade fraternity in order to make it more resilient.” The epidemic era has been a fight for tourism survival, but there is a big chance to fast recovery because people are eager to resume travel.
Ms Mayal stated during the conversation that the issuing of visas to the United States and numerous Schengen countries, particularly Greece, is a serious challenge that the travel trade fraternity is currently confronting. Members and clients have complained to TAAI about not being able to get an appointment for visas for travellers and then experiencing extended delays in the stamping of visas due to a lack of communication.
Furthermore, some missions store passports for an indefinite period, causing uncertainty and cancellations, which cost the traveller a lot of money because confirmed air tickets and hotel vouchers are a condition for visa applications, which must be eliminated, according to Ms Mayal.
She also stated that the provision of free visas to India, with a minimum term of 6 months and numerous entries, must be reinstated immediately. In order to enhance inbound tourism, E-Visa must be reactivated for all nations, including the United Kingdom and Canada, as pre-covid.
Ms Mayal stated that the Air Suvidha form is an encumbrance protocol that should be removed and supported at the home ministry, citing administrative constraints that TAAI has been conveying to other involved ministries and that are stifling the sector’s expansion. In addition, for the safety and security of travellers, required health and complete travel insurance on inbound E-Visa/Visa must be implemented.
Ms Mayal informed Shri Verma that tourism is overseen by a number of ministries and that as a result, there is a need to collaborate in order to achieve progressive and effective results. Taking this idea a step further, TAAI anticipates continued dialogue with the MEA in order to include more of the previously highlighted ideas into becoming a motivator and enhancer of tourism, as well as a driver of economic growth.
Shri Verma expressed his commitment to look into some of the issues on a priority basis and said that his office would remain open to many more such meetings after taking notice of the ideas and challenges.
Read more at TravelMail | Follow us at Facebook | Twitter | Instagram for on the go news
