Visa application volumes from New Delhi witnessed 10 per cent year-on-year growth in 2023, marking a significant recovery to 82 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. The resurgence in travel confidence and the gradual relaxation of travel restrictions were key drivers behind this upward trend, according to VFS Global, the world’s leading visa facilitation service provider.
This surge in visa applications from New Delhi mirrors the broader growth trend observed across India, with the country experiencing a 16 per cent year-on-year increase in visa application volumes in 2023. Compared to pre-pandemic figures, visa application volumes from India reached an impressive 93 per cent of 2019 levels, signaling a strong rebound in international travel aspirations among Indian citizens.
Briefing a media roundtable in New Delhi, Vishal Jairath, Head of South Asia, VFS Global, sharing details said, “The sustained demand for visas from India in 2023 reflects the unwavering enthusiasm of travellers to explore global destinations. As we look ahead to 2024, we anticipate this positive momentum to continue. Hence, we advise applicants planning overseas travel from India to apply for their visas well in advance to avoid any last-minute rush.”
Among the preferred destinations for Indian travellers in 2023 were Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, UK, and the US. This diverse selection underscores the adventurous spirit and varied interests of Indian globetrotters.
Moreover, VFS said the surge in demand for personalised services such as Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD) reflects the evolving preferences of travellers. VFS Global recorded a remarkable five-fold increase in VAYD bookings in 2023 compared to 2019, indicating a growing appetite for convenient and hassle-free visa application processes.
Jairath highlighted, “The adoption of contactless and personalised services like VAYD signifies travellers’ prioritisation of safety and convenience, especially in the post-pandemic era. We anticipate a continued demand for such premium services in 2024, as travellers seek enhanced experiences and peace of mind during their journeys.”
Bringing with him a distinguished career spanning over 27 years, Srithar joins VFS Global from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), where he held various pivotal roles, including Area Director for South India & Sri Lanka and Regional Director overseeing marketing and tourism development across multiple regions. In his new role, Srithar will leverage his extensive expertise to provide specialized services in Travel, Trade, and Tourism Services to VFS Global’s client governments.
In light of the anticipated surge in travel demand, VFS Global has urged applicants to apply for visas well in advance to secure timely appointments and ensure seamless travel planning. Additionally, travellers are advised to remain vigilant against fraudulent entities purporting to offer visa-related services and to report any suspicious activities promptly.With international travel on the rebound, VFS Global said it remains committed to providing travellers with comprehensive visa services and optional value-added services for a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.
VFS Global, serving as the trusted partner to 52 sovereign governments in India, operates a vast network of over 560 visa application centers across 19 cities. While the organisation facilitates front-end administrative tasks related to visa applications, it plays no role in the decision-making process of visa approvals or rejections.
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In the realm of international tourism, the latest insights from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) signaled a significant rebound toward pre-pandemic levels. The data revealed that international tourism is steadily regaining its momentum, projecting to reach nearly 90 per cent of the pre-pandemic benchmarks by the conclusion of 2023.
Between January and September 2023, approximately 975 million tourists embarked on international travel, marking a substantial 38 per cent increase compared to the corresponding months in 2022. This surge in tourism figures suggests a robust resurgence in global travel, reflecting a heightened eagerness among travelers to explore the world once more.
The UNWTO’s World Tourism Barometer divulged further encouraging statistics, indicating a 22 per cent increase in international tourist arrivals during the third quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in the preceding year. This upswing was particularly pronounced during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer season, evidencing a strong resurgence in travel demand.
Notably, the third quarter of 2023 witnessed international tourist arrivals scaling up to 91 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, with July emerging as the standout month, hitting a commendable 92 per cent recovery rate—the most robust performance since the onset of the pandemic. Overall, the tourism sector surged to 87 per cent of pre-pandemic levels during the period spanning January to September 2023, paving the way for an anticipated 90 per cent recovery by year-end.
Financially, international tourism receipts are expected to soar to approximately USD 1.4 trillion in 2023, representing a remarkable 93 per cent of the USD 1.5 trillion amassed by destinations in 2019, before the pandemic’s disruptive onset.
“The latest UNWTO data shows that international tourism has almost completely recovered from the unprecedented crisis of COVID-19 with many destinations reaching or even exceeding pre-pandemic arrivals and receipts. This is critical for destinations, businesses, and communities where the sector is a major lifeline,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.
The recovery isn’t uniform across regions, with varying rates of progress. The Middle East stands out as a frontrunner in relative recovery, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 20 per cent through September 2023, holding the distinction as the sole world region to exceed 2019 figures in this period. Factors such as visa facilitation measures, novel destination development, investments in tourism-related projects, and the hosting of large events contributed significantly to this exceptional performance.
The announcement was made on the sidelines of the 8th World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism, held in the city of San Sebastian, Spain. Bahrain is poised to leverage the World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in 2024 as a catalyst for promoting responsible agricultural practices. The event aims to highlight the importance of nurturing local communities while preserving Bahrain’s rich heritage and traditions.
Europe, accounting for 56 per cent of the global total with 550 million international tourists, surged to 94 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, bolstered by robust intra-regional demand and substantial interest from the United States.
Africa and the Americas made substantial strides as well, with Africa recovering 92 per cent and the Americas reaching 88 per cent of 2019 visitor numbers during the nine-month period. Strong demand from the United States significantly contributed to the Americas’ positive trajectory, particularly benefiting Caribbean destinations.
In contrast, Asia and the Pacific lagged behind, reaching only 62 per cent of pre-pandemic levels during this period due to a slower reopening to international travel. Notably, South Asia displayed a remarkable recovery of 95 per cent, while North-East Asia trailed at approximately 50 per cent, illustrating mixed performances among subregions.
Moreover, the UNWTO’s Tourism Recovery Tracker, drawing data from IATA and STR, reported robust indicators in air passenger numbers and tourist accommodation occupancy levels, further underscoring the sector’s steadfast resurgence.
Looking ahead, despite economic challenges like high inflation, weaker global output, and geopolitical tensions, international tourism remains on a trajectory towards a full recovery to pre-pandemic levels by 2024, propelled by the sustained momentum and fervor evident in the industry’s recent performance.
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