THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The centre's decision to offer e-Tourist Visa (e-TV) facility to citizens of 36 more countries, taking the tally to 113 in total, has come as a shot in the arm for Kerala tourism that has already been reaping the benefit of the hassle-free travel option. Kerala is the only state with two airports offering e-visa.
The 36 new countries include the UK, Cuba, Malaysia, Portugal, Belgium, Sweden and Spain, which are all potential markets for Kerala tourism.
The state government and the tourism industry should launch extensive campaigns in foreign countries to benefit from the facility, said industry sources.
Other sectors like trade and commerce could also indirectly gain from e-TV, they said. “Already there has been about eight to nine percent increase in the tourist arrivals to the state with the centre initially launching Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVoA) to 11 countries and later the e-TV to 77 countries. The inclusion of 36 more countries is of much significance to Kerala,” said Tourism director Sheik Pareeth.
Kerala would highlight the fact that of the 16 Indian airports having e-TV facility, two are in Kerala — Thiruvananthapuram and Nedumbassery.
“We should explore all options like holding road shows and publicity drives in those countries and spread the message with the help of Indian missions,” confederation of Kerala tourism industries president E.M. Najeeb said.
In Thiruvananthapuram airport alone, over 3,750 tourists have so far availed of the TVoA and e-TV facilities. The number in Nedumbaserry is also almost the same. The facilities at the airports also need to be spruced up.
“At present we have four counters at Thiruvananthapuram airport for the e-TV facility. After assessing the flow of tourists, we will decide on opening more counters. The visitors’ area also has to be made more spacious,” said C. Rajan, assistant foreigner regional registration officer.
