India may open up for ‘Covid-free’ nations soon | Economic Times

India could soon reopen its doors to foreign tourists from countries where the Covid situation is under control, by following all required health protocol. Government officials on Thursday said inter-ministerial talks are on for a “calibrated resumption of tourist visas on a country-specific basis”. Owing to Covid, India had in last March suspended most visas issued to foreigners. Later, it allowed foreigners with certain visa types — except tourist — to travel here. “It is crucial to reopen India to international tourists. We are doing below-average-rate business. Hotels in leisure destinations (like Goa, Rajasthan and Kerala) have 65% to 70% occupancy because of strong revenge travel by domestic travellers. City hotels have 30%-35% occupancy and overall occupancy is about 50%,” said Nakul Anand, ITC executive director and chairman of Federation of Associations of Indian Tourism and Hospitality. Anand was speaking at an event of the tourism body here on Thursday. A joint report by the tourism ministry and FAITH says international tourism activity may return to pre-Covid levels in two-three years.