New Delhi. : Mr. Rajiv Mehra, President, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) expressed his disappointment on the decision taken by Ministry of Civil Aviation/DGCA to extend suspension of international flight operation till 30th September 2021 and e-Tourist Visa.
He mentioned that our members are very much depressed and disheartened by this decision taken by the Government. It is time for the Government to help the tourism industry by reviving inbound tourism to India for which we have made the following requests to the Government.
- To open e-Tourist Visa for all those foreign tourists who have been vaccinated and wish to come to India. Let foreign tourists decide whether they want to travel to India or not. We should not restrict them to travel to India, when other countries have opened their doors for tourists.
- Similarly, normal international flight operation should be resumed and Let the airlines decide whether they want to operate or not if there is any constraint of load factor. But government should allow to resume flights.
All other sectors have revived their business with the support from the Government and it is only the travel and tourism industry which is struggling for survival for last 18 months but there is no relief at all. Government should support the tourism industry especially the inbound tour operators who have zero business since March 2020.
