NEW DELHI: Seeking to unlock the growth potential of India’s tourism and hospitality industry, the NITI Aayog has recommended a series of reforms, including introduction of a multiple-entry Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) regime for travellers from select countries, hassle-free grant and renewal of licences for tourism and hospitality businesses to reduce compliance burdens.
The recommendations are aimed at improving the ease of doing business, attracting more international visitors and encouraging investment in the sector. These suggestions are part of NITI Aayog’s report titled Unlocking Growth in Tourism and Hospitality Sector, released on Tuesday. The report calls for a streamlined, consistent and efficient regulatory framework to reduce procedural bottlenecks and improve the business environment.
While the country possesses a rich, diverse and globally competitive tourism offering, its full potential remains constrained by regulatory complexity, the policy think tank noted in the report.
The report recommended that India gradually transitions towards a Tourist Visa-on-Arrival (VoA)-led facilitation framework, supported by simplified visa categories, a targeted country selection approach, and strengthened digital and payment infrastructure.
Reasoning the introduction of VoA regime, the Aayog’s report said that by reducing procedural barriers at the point of entry and enabling greater flexibility in travel planning, the proposed framework is expected to improve the conversion of travel intent into actual visits and support repeat visitation through easier re-entry.
It also proposed the provision of a 90-day, multiple-entry Tourist Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) for selected countries to strengthen inbound tourism demand and enable seamless travel.
The report pointed out that multiple licences required by accommodation units involving mandatory inspections, high-frequency renewals, and other procedures could increase compliance costs, delay the commencement or continuation of operations, and create administrative uncertainty for operators. Hence, simplification of regulations governing accommodation units is needed, it added.
