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Hotels hit by visa restrictions |
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By: Urvashi Seth |
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Date:
2010-01-24 |
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Place: Mumbai |
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Hoteliers feel the govt's directive will affect business they would have got from the Commonwealth Games
Hotel associations have appealed to the home ministry to reduce visa restrictions on foreigners. Hoteliers, who are yet to recover from the crisis created by recent terror attacks, feel the government's directive will affect the business they would have got from the Commonwealth Games.
"Tourist arrival targets will not be met by this directive. The hospitality and tourism industry will be badly hit," said Kamlesh Barot, director of Encore group of hotels and the member of Hotel and Restaurant Association - Western India (HRA-WI).
The directive was issued when it was revealed that two conspirators of the Mumbai terror attacks, David Coleman Headley and Tahawwur Rana, now in US custody, obtained long-term tourist visas and visited several Indian cities. "2009 was announced as the Visit India Year to boost tourism and now when we are back to normal, this ruling is adding to our woes," grumbled the spokesperson of a five star hotel.
Visa clampdowns have also hurt medical tourism. "Long term guests will be missing from hotels. With Mumbai being the financial hub, this decision will dampen the economy. The effect will soon be felt," said Sanjeev Shekhar, general manager of Marine Plaza Hotel.
S P Jain, director of Pride Group of Hotels, Pune, said, "The government recently announced visa-on-arrival facilities for five countries but it does not include the eye-catching countries. Commonwealth Games are around the corner and these directives will add to our woes," said Jain.
Visa Rules
A gap of two months between two visas will apply to all tourist visa holders. It will not be applied to Persons of Indian origin or Overseas Citizen of India cardholders or foreigners holding business, employment, student and other categories of visa. Foreigners who use India as a base to go to neighbouring countries can avail of three re-entries within 60 days if they have the sufficient itinerary |
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