MALAYSIA-based tour operators strong in the outbound market to India are hoping for the country’s visa restrictions to be eased soon to encourage more travel there.
Since last January, the Indian government has imposed visa restrictions in a bid to counter terrorist threats. Tourists from all nations can only make two visits to India even while on a six-month multiple-entry visa and must wait 60 days before making the second visit.
GrandLotus Travel Agencies managing director and Malaysian Indian Tour and Travel Agents Association president, K Thangevelu, said: “It’s unfair to have a blanket restriction worldwide. Malaysia has one of the largest Indian diasporas in the world, and a large number from our Indian community have roots in India and travel there frequently. This visa ruling has disrupted their travel patterns.”
“Nowadays, air travel is more feasible, frequent and cheaper than ever before, sometimes costing less than their visas. So it doesn’t make sense to impose a restriction like this.”
Ganesh Travel Agencies managing director, A Sevaguru, said that it is not only Indians who enjoy visiting India nowadays, as the country is a popular travel destination. “As more airlines are flying to India on attractive rates, visitors are going for mono destinations in India,” Sevaragu said.
India’s External Affairs Minister, S M Krishna, told an India-based newspaper recently that exceptions were being made to bona fide tourists and visitors, and that the government was reviewing some of the restrictions.
By Ellen Chen
