THE RECENTLY-launched 10-year multiple entry visa for Indian nationals will not only boost trade relations between the two countries, but also facilitate the growth of Indian tourist arrivals into Canada.
A six-month visa is being issued to Indian visitors at the moment.
Canadian international trade minister and Asia-Pacific gateway minister, Edward Fast, said: “After an initial visa screening, applicants can get visas that allow them to visit Canada often, as long as their passports are valid up to ten years.”
Travel Agent Association of India (TAAI) president and Swiftravel International chairman and managing director, Rajinder Rai, told TTG Asia e-Daily: “This will help business tourists and those with friends and relatives in Canada to visit the country frequently, without the hassle of obtaining a visa on consequent visits.”
“Many leisure tourists might also make use of the facility to visit Canada more often, to tour the country’s vast regions and attractions during different seasons,” he added.
Canada Tourism Commission (CTC) India director, Shilpa Sethi, said: “Many people think that obtaining a Canadian visa is difficult. Hence they don’t even consider Canada for travel. The new visa regime will change their mindsets. Along with our promotions, it will definitely boost tourism to Canada.”
127,000 Indians visited Canada last year. CTC is targeting a 20 per cent growth in Indian arrivals this year.
By Anand & Madhura Katti
