As per provisional data received from the Bureau of Immigration, the Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India from January to April 2023 reached 79 per cent of FTAs during the same period in 2019. The Ministry of Tourism endeavours to position India as a preferred tourism destination in the tourism-generating markets to promote various tourism products and destinations and to increase India’s share in the global tourism market. The objectives are met through an integrated marketing and promotional strategy and a synergised campaign in association with the Travel Trade, State Governments and Indian Missions overseas.
The promotional activities include participation in travel fairs and exhibitions; advertising in the local print, electronic and outdoor media; organising road shows, India Evenings, seminars and workshops; organising and supporting Indian food and cultural festivals; offering brochure support to tour operators, and joint advertising/ joint promotions with airlines, tour operators and other organisations etc. In order to boost visitor arrival, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has declared ‘Incredible India! Visit India Year 2023 campaign.
The Ministry of Tourism has been working very closely with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs to ease the visa regime in the country as well. The E-Visa scheme is now available to nationals of 166 countries and is available in the following five categories: Tourist Visa, E-Business Visa, E-Medical Visa, E-Conference Visa and E-Medical Attendant. The E-Visa is valid for entry through 29 designated Airports and five designated seaports.