Free Visa: Announcement of help to tourism sector, government will give free visa to 5 lakh tourists, Announcement of help to tourism sector, government will give free visa to 5 lakh tourists

New Delhi : The government has announced several measures to revive the tourism sector affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under these measures, the government has decided to give free visas to 5 lakh tourists visiting India. Announcing these measures on Monday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced financial support to 11,000 registered tourist guides, stakeholders in the travel and tourism sector.

He said that after the resumption of visas for international travel, the first five lakh tourists would be issued free visas. This will put a burden of Rs 100 crore on the government. This scheme will continue till March 31, 2022 or till the target of five lakh visas is met, whichever is earlier. The Finance Minister said that this would encourage tourists coming to India for a short period.

The government also announced to provide working capital or personal loans to people in the tourism sector to settle their liabilities or restart businesses affected by the pandemic.

Loans up to Rs 10 lakh will be provided to the travel and tourism sector shareholders with 100% guarantee. A loan of Rs 1 lakh will be provided to the registered tourist guide.

Sitharaman said Rs 23,220 crore would be made available for public health. Under this, emergency level preparedness will be done for a short period. There will be a special emphasis on bedding for children/paediatrics/children.

Several measures for economic revival were announced by the Finance Minister on Monday. Under these measures have also been taken for the tourism sector.