Center’s move to lift restrictions barring foreigners on tourist visas by chartered flights expected to revive tourism

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

The Center’s move to lift restrictions barring arrival of foreigners on tourist visas to India only by chartered flights is expected to revive tourism in the Capital that was affected strongly by the Covid-19 pandemic.

With little to no business during the last 19 months, stakeholders from the tourism sector are now cautiously optimistic, hoping for a recovery.

Ashok Kumar, manager at The Grace House hotel in Paharganj, said that due to the pandemic, business is affected, as only around 4-5% of foreign tourists are currently coming to India on business and medical visas.

He said that it could take another six-seven months for business to get back completely. “We are dependent on foreign tourists and don’t get any domestic revenue. Our business has been nearly zero since March. We are hoping that more foreign tourists will start visiting the country… Our entire staffs are fully vaccinated and prepared to welcome guests,” said Kumar.

With multiple outlets taking partin tourist affairs, like hotels, money changers, travel operators, restaurants or handicrafts shops, the market used to be a happening place for foreign tourists before the pandemic.

With foreign tourists being the primary clientele for these outlets, business declined here since March last year.
SumitChadha, running a handicrafts shop in Paharganj’s main market, said that his outlet used to be frequented by many foreign tourists before the pandemic. “Over 70% of our clients are foreigners. Since the [initial] easing of restrictions, around 5-6 foreign clients have come to us. These are clients who have had a long relation with the country and us. Regular tourists are not coming at least as of now,” said Chadha.

Dildar Singh, a city-based government-registered tourist guide, said that it cannot be predicted by when business would be back on track.

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