NEW DELHI: In a bid to facilitate travel to India, the Union Tourism Ministry is pushing for a "Visa on Arrival" scheme even as the Union Home Ministry has expressed certain security concerns before giving its nod.

Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni said that the Ministry of External Affairs had agreed in principle to give long-term visas with multiple entries. "It is a breakthrough and the Ministry of External Affairs is also considering outsourcing visa and putting additional counsellor staff in embassies where rush for visas is more. It will be possible to provide a fast track service of giving visas in 36 hours," Ms. Soni said. She added that medical visas for one year were being already granted, giving a boost to wellness and health sectors.

Important factor

She said the issue regarding grant of visas was one of the most important factors related to the growth of tourism. She said that Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) to facilitate security clearances has already been introduced on pilot basis on all Air India flights landing in Delhi. The issue of long term visas for 5-10 years to every tourist from the select countries has also been agreed in principle by both the Home and External Affairs Ministries.

Ms. Soni also launched the "Incredible India Bed and Breakfast Scheme" to increase the availability of accommodation for tourists.

Under the scheme, house owners can offer up to 5 rooms or 10 beds with working space, air-conditioning facilities as well as attached western toilets. The owner will also have to provide Indian or Continental breakfast to the guests and display the bed and breakfast rates. Interested house owners will have to apply in the prescribed application form to the Regional Director, India Tourism offices and the local offices of India Tourism at other tourist destinations.

"Severe shortage"

"The country is facing a severe shortage of hotel accommodation, which is serious in metro cities. This has also resulted in star category hotels becoming very expensive and unaffordable for tourists. The shortage of rooms in Delhi is adversely affecting the flow of tourists to Delhi. The accommodation constraints in Delhi will have serious implications on the arrangements for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Based on the experience available from the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, it is estimated that there will be a requirement of about 40,000-50,000 rooms in the budget category during the Games," Ms. Soni said.

The Ministry has launched integrated international media campaigns in Europe, the United States and Canada, Australia, the Far East and the Asia Pacific region to promote India as a "must see destination." This year's campaign focuses on both the generic and niche areas to convert India into a destination throughout the year.

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