India showcased its free e-visa initiative, Chalo India, on the first day of World Travel Market London.
Mugdha Sinha, the Director-General of India’s tourism ministry, urged those in the Indian diaspora around the world to encourage five non-Indian friends to sign up for the scheme.
She said Indians across the world can recommend the initiative to their non-Indian friends, with more information available on the Chalo India portal.
India welcomed 9.5 million tourists in 2023.
Sinha also highlighted the wide diversity of attractions across India, with 150 new, alternative destinations being developed that are “pro-planet and sustainable”.
“The diversity is humungous,” she told WTM London, pointing to India’s 7,500km coastline, and the fact it has some of the tallest mountains in the world, wildlife sanctuaries, eco-destinations, craftspeople, and homestays.
“We are marketing India as a destination for all seasons,” she added, noting infrastructure developments over the past 10 years such as more roads, airports, and direct flights to more regions.
The ministry recently relaunched the Incredible India content hub and digital portal, enabling travelers to book accommodation, flights, homestays, and even cruises.
It also features travel diaries from those who have visited “hidden gems”, she added. Other offerings she highlighted range from festivals, wedding tourism, and spiritual and religious locations, to Blue Flag beaches and luxury trains such as the Deccan Express and Maharajas’ Express.
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