AITO calls out India’s ‘disruptive ‘visa changes
Specialist travel association AITO has taken aim at India for ‘extremely disruptive ‘changes to its visa rules.
AITO has written to the Indian High Commission to seek a meeting to discuss the issues.
There is currently no e-visa facility available with only in-person processing.
However slots for in-person processing are reportedly full for the next few weeks.
“Applications using specialist companies have been cancelled. The reasons have not, unfortunately, been explained – an explanation would at least go some way to helping tour operators to understand this drastic action,” said AITO’s Head of Commercial, Bharat Gadhoke.
“What is clear is that the collateral damage is going to be felt by tourists who have long looked forward to visiting this diverse country, some having delayed their travel plans for two years or more.”
Amrit Singh owner of AITO operator Trans Indus said £10m of bookings at risk, with around 1,500 holidaymakers affected.
“Many are due to depart in the coming weeks; not having a visa means they will be forced to cancel.”
AITO has 270 members, both specialist tour operators and specialist travel agents.
Around 60 AITO companies promote and sell holidays to India
AITO members have been forced to stop accepting bookings for the rest of 2022, and marketing efforts have been halted.
AITO warns the reputational damage to India as a tourism destination is likely to be huge.
Ray Monty
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