The Government of India’s extension of Visa on Arrival (VOA) facility to 43 nations seems to be benefiting the city – the number of foreign visitor arrivals has seen an upward trend, auguring well for a rise in tourism revenue.
Arrival data from the Shamshabad airport shows 356 visitors availed VOA last December. This is up from the average 60 visitors a month that the airport would receive till December. India had decided to extend the facility to citizens of the US, Australia and a host of other nations from where large numbers of tourists usually arrive after obtaining a tourist visa at Indian missions abroad. VOA is issued with a validity of 30 days at cost of $60 at nine designated airports across the country.
“We are seeing increased footfall at the airport after the extension [of VOA]. Earlier, just a handful of people would arrive on a daily basis,” said an immigration official.
US citizens are found to be availing the facility more than citizens of other countries. Of the 356 visitors who availed the facility here last December, 205 were Americans.
“It shortens the visa proce-ss. More tourist arrivals boo-sts hotel occupancy, shopping and increases government re-venue,” said Hemanth T. Pandey of a city-based travel firm.
Visa on arrival would benefit the impulsive traveller. It also shortens the visa-obtaining process. More tourist arrivals boosts occupancy rates in hotels, shopping and increases revenue for government
- Hemanth T. Pandey
Tour operator
356 foreign visitors to Hyderabad availed the Visa on Arrival (VOA) facility last December, up from an average of 60 in the preceding months
