IATO to propose reduction in e-visa fee to attract more foreign tourists

Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), the apex association of inbound tour operators, will propose reduction in current e-visa fee as a measure to attract more international tourists to India.

IATO said at first, it will take up the proposal with Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. This was informed by Pronab Sarkar, President of the Association while addressing the members at their monthly interactive meeting in Delhi.

IATO opines that reduction in e-visa fee is important to attract more tourists to meet the targeted 20 million tourist arrivals by 2020. The Association will also ask the Tourism Ministry to push for corrective measures to remove the adverse GST impacts on the tourism industry with Finance Ministry.

Sarkar said that the US roadshows organised by the ministry has helped in establishing synergies with the buyers. He acknowledged the good efforts of the tourism department in organising such a roadshow in US.

Subhash Goyal, General Secretary of FAITH and Chairman of India Tourism Mart (ITM) announced a special concessional rate of Rs 60,000 for IATO members to book booths at the forthcoming Travel Mart and sought their support to make the maiden event a success.