Through a series of questions in the parliament, Rajya Sabha MP and Former BJP Delhi President Shri Vijay Goel today sought information on the growing tourism industry in India and the steps being taken by the Government to promote it, globally.
The Minister replied that it is true that the Tourism Industry has seen a significant growth in the past three years and has grown from 4.3 % in 2012 to 7.1% from January – November 2014.
The Tourist Visa on Arrival enabled with the Electronic Travel Authorization Scheme which was launched on November 27, 2014 for national of 43 countries will help prospective visitors to apply for a VISA on arrival online without visiting the Indian High Commission.
On December 4th, the government lifted restriction of two-month gap on re-entry of foreign nationals coming to India on Tourist Visa and Visa on Arrival.
Shri Vijay Goel was also provided the information on measures taken by the Ministry to ensure safety of foreign women tourist. The Ministry of Tourism has advised the State Governments/ Union Territory Administrations to setup Tourist Police at prominent tourist spots as a result of which many states have taken necessary action in this regard.
Further to this, Clean India Campaign and periodic linguistic training of guides will help the industry overcome barriers of cleanliness and hygiene and lack of trained language speaking guides.