In a major step to boost international tourism, the Government of India has announced the provision of 100,000 ex-gratis visas for foreign visitors under the Ministry of Tourism’s “Chalo India” campaign. This was unveiled during the World Tourism Day celebrations held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, which saw the participation of Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, along with key ministers including Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism & Culture, and Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation.
This year’s theme, ‘Tourism and Peace’, underscored the role of tourism as a bridge-builder among nations and communities, with VP Dhankhar stating, “Tourism not only generates revenue and jobs but also fosters harmony and peace by promoting cultural exchange. The Chalo India campaign, with its provision of gratis visas, will make India more accessible to international travelers, encouraging them to experience the diversity and richness of our country.”
The Vice President also emphasised the importance of responsible tourism, saying, “We must develop our tourism sector in a way that sustains local communities and promotes responsible travel. Innovation in tourism will pave the way for India’s continued success in this sector.”
As part of the event, several key initiatives were launched to bolster India’s tourism and hospitality industry. These included the Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi programs, aimed at promoting responsible tourism across 50 prominent destinations in India. These initiatives will empower local communities to act as custodians of tourism development while fostering sustainability.
The winners of the Best Tourism Villages Competition were also announced during the event, recognizing villages that have excelled in promoting tourism while preserving their cultural and environmental heritage.
Key initiatives announced:
Chalo India Campaign: Under this program, the Government of India will provide gratis visas to the first 100,000 foreign tourists, encouraging global travellers to explore India without the additional burden of visa fees. This move is expected to significantly boost inbound tourism, especially from countries that contribute heavily to India’s tourism sector.
Paryatan Mitra & Paryatan Didi: These initiatives were launched to foster responsible tourism across 50 tourist destinations, involving local communities in promoting and maintaining sustainable tourism practices.
Masterlist of Tourism Destinations for Development: The Ministry of Tourism will release a priority list of tourism destinations for infrastructure development, in collaboration with multiple ministries including the Ministry of Culture, Civil Aviation, Railways, and Road Transport. This integrated approach will focus on enhancing the overall experience for travelers by improving connectivity and infrastructure.
Industry Status for Tourism & Hospitality: A Handbook for States/UTs was launched to help them grant industry status to the tourism and hospitality sector, streamlining regulations and offering incentives that would attract more investment into the industry.
Incredible India Content Hub & Digital Portal: The launch of this content hub will serve as a digital resource for travelers, offering insights, itineraries, and promotional material about India’s tourist attractions.
Commenting on the initiatives, Tourism Minister Shekhawat, said, “The ‘Whole of Government’ approach led by the Prime Minister has been instrumental in transforming the tourism sector. With 500 new air routes, 150 new airports, and a robust network of Vande Bharat trains, India is more connected than ever before. Our G20 presidency has showcased over 60 destinations to the world, giving unprecedented visibility to Indian tourism.”
He further added, “Tourism in India is not just about the big cities or well-known landmarks. It’s about the people and the places that tell the story of our country. From the rural charm of our villages to the hustle and bustle of our cities, we are committed to offering diverse experiences for every traveller.”
Aviation and Tourism Integration:
Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation, highlighted the crucial role of air connectivity in the growth of tourism, saying, “Air connectivity is the backbone of the tourism industry. Our efforts through the UDAN scheme, the addition of new airports, and initiatives like Digi Yatra have made air travel more accessible and efficient. We have already witnessed significant growth in tourism traffic through these initiatives.”
The Minister further referenced the unanimous passing of the Delhi Declaration during the 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation, which focuses on regional connectivity and boosting air travel, both of which are key to growing tourism in India.
The Ministry also emphasised the growing economic impact of tourism. India has witnessed an increase in both international and domestic travel, and the government’s push for tourism is expected to create millions of jobs in the coming years. According to the Ministry, the tourism sector is poised to grow exponentially, driven by India’s improved infrastructure, cultural diversity, and global visibility.
V Vidyavathi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, reiterated the value of people-centric tourism, saying, “The future of tourism lies not just in places, but in the people who bring those places to life. It is no longer just about promoting destinations, but about showcasing the incredible Indians who make those places extraordinary.”
