The Government will issue free tourist visa for 5 lakh tourists, said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during a press conference. The Minister also announced a slew of economic relief measures to help the industry badly hit by the second wave of Covid-19.
“Once visa issuance is restarted, the first 5 lakh Tourists Visas will be issued free of charge,” it said. This facility will be available only once per tourist. The scheme will be applicable till 31st march,2022 or till 5 lakh visas are issued, whichever is earlier. Total financial implication is expected to be Rs 100 crore.
“The scheme will cover 10,700 Regional Level Tourist Guides recognised by Ministry of Tourism and Tourist Guides recognised by the State Governments, and 904 Travel and Tourism Stakeholders (TTS) recognized by Ministry of Tourism. Loans will be provided with 100 % guarantee up to the following limits: Rs. 10,00,000 for TTS ( per agency), Rs. 1,00,000 for tourist guides licenced at Regional or State level. There will be no processing charges, waiver of foreclosure/prepayment charges. No additional collateral will be required,” the Minister said. The scheme has to be administered by the Ministry of Tourism through NCGTC.
