Resumption of Indian Visas for Chinese Nationals

The Indian tourism sector is optimistic about the government's decision to resume issuing visas to Chinese nationals after five years, with a focus on attracting tourists from China, who constituted 27% of foreign tourist arrivals in India in 2019.

Importance of Chinese Tourists

• In 2019, India welcomed around 300,000 Chinese tourists. They were a significant market, accounting for 27% of total foreign tourist arrivals.
• Major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai, along with the Taj Mahal in Agra, were top destinations for Chinese tourists.
• The 'Golden Triangle' tour comprising Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra was particularly popular among Chinese groups.

Strategies for Attracting Chinese Tourists

Ajay Prakash, Vice President of FAITH, emphasizes the need for focused efforts to develop and promote travel itineraries to attract Chinese tourists, beyond merely liberalizing visa policies.

Recent Developments and Diplomatic Engagements

• The Embassy of India in China announced the restoration of visa services, allowing Chinese nationals to apply online via Indian missions in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
• This visa restoration follows the revival of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra and the visit of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to China, which included meetings with President Xi Jinping.

Impact on Tourism and Regional Growth

• Industry experts anticipate that the restoration of visas will be crucial for reviving post-Covid regional tourism growth.
• The emergence of spiritual tourism, particularly Buddhist circuits in Bihar, is expected to attract more Chinese travelers with an interest in spiritual journeys.

Key Advantages and Expectations

• The visa move is seen as a signal of easing tensions and improving diplomatic and people-to-people ties between India and China.
• Tourism bodies hope for a boost in regional tourism, capitalizing on the resumption of visas and restored diplomatic engagements.