Five lakh foreign tourists to be given free visas, tourism bizmen to get loans up to Rs 10 lakh: Modi

PANAJI: In a drastic decision that could provide a new impetus and kick-start the tourism industry in Goa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday announced that the Centre will give 5,00,000 (five lakh) foreign tourists free visas in the coming months.

An IANS report, quoted the Prime Minister as saying: “The Central government is taking steps to welcome foreign tourists back. The government has taken a decision to give five lakh foreign tourists free visas.

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Travel and tourism stakeholders will be given loans up to Rs 10 lakh with a 100 per cent guarantee by the government.

“Tourist guides are being given the facility of taking a loan of up to Rs 1 lakh… In the future too, the Central government will be ready to help those who take the tourism sector forward,” Modi said during a virtual interaction with health workers, ruling politicians, administrative officials and a cross section of people from Goa.

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Modi said that Goa, with its 100 per cent coverage of the first Covid-19 vaccine dose, could play a big part in the revival of the country’s tourism industry.

“India’s vaccination drive is not a cover for health, but a cover for livelihood too. It is important that tourism destinations open as soon as possible. The ‘Char Dham’ yatra will begin soon in Uttarakhand.

“Goa’s 100 per cent vaccination will become important to revive the tourism sector. If hotel industry workers, taxi drivers, hawkers, shopkeepers are vaccinated, it will give peace of mind to the visiting tourists.  ALSO READ: Due to inaction by Govt, Goa loses out on more than 50 percent charter flights from Russia

“Goa is a part of a select group of tourist destinations where people are vaccinated,” the Prime Minister added.

While encouraging the revival of tourism, Modi however said that the pandemic should not be taken lightly.

“Domestic and international tourists can take pleasure in coming here… Numbers have come down, but we still cannot take this virus lightly. You will get as many tourists and travelers depending on how much importance you give to safety and hygiene.”

Source: IANS