E-visa facility to be extended to 37 more countries

e-Visa facility would be extended to 37 more countries to attract maximum foreign tourists, a top Tourism ministry official said on Saturday. 

Currently, we have given e-Visa facility to 113 countries and the number will go <g data-gr-id="23">upto</g> 150 soon, Tourism Secretary Vinod <g data-gr-id="24">Zuthsi</g> said at <g data-gr-id="21">the</g> Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) function. Zutshi said the discussions are on with concerned Ministries including External Affairs and MHA and it is expected that extension of the e-Visa facility to more countries soon. He said <g data-gr-id="20">involvement</g> of all stakeholders is required for promotion of tourism in the country. A total of 22,286 tourists used e-Visa facility to visit 

India in August this year, compared to 2705 in <g data-gr-id="17">August,</g> 2014. An integrated approach is required to take the Incredible India to the next level, the Tourism <g data-gr-id="25">secy</g> informed. He said India has vast tourism potential as many places with great opportunity are yet to be explored. "We have to unravel the hidden treasure of many lesser known places. But it requires integrated strategy," Zutshi said.