After conducting a pilot project with five Indian tour operators for six months (October 2008 – March 2009), VisitBritain is soon going to take a decision about launching ‘Short-term Visa’ for Indian tourists. The ‘Short-term Visa,’ which will be priced economically, will be offered to tourists travelling in groups on fixed departures from India to Europe. With a validity of one month along with single or multiple entries, the transit process from one country to another will be improved and cost effective. The main focus is to increase tourist arrivals from India, who find the Visa charges more expensive than other European countries.
Divulging details of the pilot project, Sylvia Fernandes, Manager – Western India, VisitBritain said, “We conducted our pilot project with Cox & Kings, Kuoni India, Thomas Cook, Raj Travels and Kesari last year. By March this year, we completed the project and have sent the analysis to our head office. Once we get a go ahead from there, we will start offering ‘Short-term Visa’ for Indian tourists. |