India woos China tourists in visa change

With the resumption of tourist visas to Chinese citizens, the Indian tourism industry is eager to welcome a resurgence of tourists, which is expected to contribute to the South Asian country's economic growth and foster a stronger bond between the two nations, industry experts said.

However, travel agencies from China also noted that, with a relatively higher threshold for visa applications, particularly in contrast with popular destinations that have visa-free entry policies for Chinese citizens, the future trend remains to be seen.

India has resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals after a five-year gap. Starting from July 24, Chinese citizens can apply for tourist visas to India, the Indian embassy in Beijing announced one day before.

Various stakeholders from the Indian tourism industry have welcomed India's decision.

Jyoti Mayal, chairperson of the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council and former president of the Travel Agents Association of India, said that China represents one of the largest outbound tourism markets globally. This decision is expected to help boost inbound travel to India.

"With the reopening of this travel corridor, we can expect a positive domino effect across our value chain, from tour operators and guides to hotel staff, transport providers and local artisans," she said.

Anil Punjabi, national managing committee member of Travel Agents Federation of India, said the announcement marks a significant moment for the Indian travel industry. Trade and business are expected to benefit from it, Punjabi added.

Garish Oberoi, treasurer of the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Association of India, described it as a welcome move.

Swaran Singh, a professor of international relations at Jawaharlal Nehru University, said visa resumption helps create a constructive environment to enhance avenues for partnerships by strengthening mutual understanding and trust.

This will lead to close people-to-people contacts, said Sreemati Chakrabarti, chairperson of the Institute of Chinese Studies and former professor of Chinese studies at the Department of East Asian Studies, University of Delhi. She hopes that direct flights between India and the Chinese mainland, as well as educational ties, will resume soon.

According to data from India's Ministry of Tourism, 339,442 Chinese tourists visited India in 2019. However, India welcomed only 39,586 Chinese tourists in 2020, after it stopped issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens that year.

Nonetheless, the Chinese travel insiders are not overtly optimistic.

Felix Li Wei, an overseas trip manager from Sichuan Travel Service, said that while India has its great charm as an ancient civilization, it may not be a priority for Chinese travelers, partly due to the relatively high visa application requirements.

Currently, applicants must apply in person in Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou and are required to submit bank statements from the last six months, showing a minimum balance of 100,000 yuan (about $14,000).

Li said several Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand and Malaysia, have exempted Chinese tourists from visa requirements.

Sunil Mishra, secretary of the Indian Association of Tour Operators, said that to attract more Chinese tourists, tour operators and the government must collaborate.

"Key steps include reinstating e-visas. Additionally, launching joint promotional campaigns and ensuring cultural readiness through translated content and signage at major destinations will go a long way," he said.

"Here is a great buzz in the market. It is like a dam which remained locked for five years is reopened, so it is important how we manage the sudden gushing of water (Chinese tourists)," said Harish Mathur, president of New Delhi-based Concord Travels.

"Things such as airline services, hotels, food, language barrier, etc, all these things need to be looked into. Our job should be to do everything to win the hearts of Chinese travelers and create a lasting experience for them," said the 30-year veteran in the industry.

Aparajit Chakraborty and Arunava Das are freelance journalists for China Daily.