The Indian government is poised to significantly boost its tourism sector with the launch of the “Chalo India” campaign, which will offer visa-fee waivers for the first 100,000 tourists entering the country. Announced by Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, during the World Tourism Day celebrations on September 27, this initiative aims to attract international travelers to experience India’s incredible destinations. This move follows a previous successful waiver that covered 500,000 tourists between 2022 and 2023, reflecting the government’s commitment to reviving tourism post-COVID.
The “Chalo India” program encourages members of the Indian diaspora to act as ambassadors for Indian tourism by inviting five non-Indian friends to visit. To participate, diaspora members must register on a dedicated website set to launch in a few weeks, where they will enter the details of their invited friends. Upon verification, a unique code will be generated, allowing these travelers to obtain a free visa.
In conjunction with the visa waivers, the Ministry of Tourism is coordinating the development of key tourist destinations over the next three years. This collaborative approach involves various ministries—including culture, civil aviation, and railways—to create a master list of priority destinations that will guide infrastructure investments. By making this list public, the government hopes to stimulate private sector involvement in developing hotels, attractions, and other amenities around these key areas.
“Today, the world’s curiosity to explore India is at an all-time high,” said Shekhawat. “Under Chalo India campaign initiated by our Prime Minister, the Tourism Ministry will offer one lakh free visas to international travellers, allowing them to experience our incredible destinations. This initiative aims to further the reach of the Incredible India brand globally,” he added.
Shekhawat emphasized the effectiveness of a “Whole of Government” approach, noting the success of integrated efforts in places like Varanasi and Ekta Nagar, where coordinated investment has led to significant tourism growth. This initiative aligns with India’s broader infrastructure boom, which has seen the development of new roads, aviation routes, and airports, creating a robust foundation for future tourism growth.
Additionally, the government is launching the ‘Paryatan Mitra & Paryatan Didi’ initiative, aimed at enhancing visitor experiences at the country’s top 50 tourist hotspots. This initiative trains locals to serve as tourism ambassadors, welcoming visitors with pride and local knowledge. Since its pilot launch in August 2024, over 3,000 individuals have been trained to create positive experiences for tourists.
As India prepares for an influx of global visitors, the “Chalo India” campaign represents a promising step toward revitalizing the tourism sector. With initiatives designed to attract tourists and enhance their experiences, the government is laying the groundwork for a new era of tourism that embraces both global outreach and local engagement. By harnessing the potential of the Indian diaspora and improving infrastructure, India aims to position itself as a premier destination for travelers worldwide.
The Indian government is poised to significantly boost its tourism sector with the launch of the “Chalo India” campaign, which will offer visa-fee waivers for the first 100,000 tourists entering the country. Announced by Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, during the World Tourism Day celebrations on September 27, this initiative aims to attract international travelers to experience India’s incredible destinations. This move follows a previous successful waiver that covered 500,000 tourists between 2022 and 2023, reflecting the government’s commitment to reviving tourism post-COVID.
The “Chalo India” program encourages members of the Indian diaspora to act as ambassadors for Indian tourism by inviting five non-Indian friends to visit. To participate, diaspora members must register on a dedicated website set to launch in a few weeks, where they will enter the details of their invited friends. Upon verification, a unique code will be generated, allowing these travelers to obtain a free visa.
In conjunction with the visa waivers, the Ministry of Tourism is coordinating the development of key tourist destinations over the next three years. This collaborative approach involves various ministries—including culture, civil aviation, and railways—to create a master list of priority destinations that will guide infrastructure investments. By making this list public, the government hopes to stimulate private sector involvement in developing hotels, attractions, and other amenities around these key areas.
“Today, the world’s curiosity to explore India is at an all-time high,” said Shekhawat. “Under Chalo India campaign initiated by our Prime Minister, the Tourism Ministry will offer one lakh free visas to international travellers, allowing them to experience our incredible destinations. This initiative aims to further the reach of the Incredible India brand globally,” he added.
Shekhawat emphasized the effectiveness of a “Whole of Government” approach, noting the success of integrated efforts in places like Varanasi and Ekta Nagar, where coordinated investment has led to significant tourism growth. This initiative aligns with India’s broader infrastructure boom, which has seen the development of new roads, aviation routes, and airports, creating a robust foundation for future tourism growth.
Additionally, the government is launching the ‘Paryatan Mitra & Paryatan Didi’ initiative, aimed at enhancing visitor experiences at the country’s top 50 tourist hotspots. This initiative trains locals to serve as tourism ambassadors, welcoming visitors with pride and local knowledge. Since its pilot launch in August 2024, over 3,000 individuals have been trained to create positive experiences for tourists.
As India prepares for an influx of global visitors, the “Chalo India” campaign represents a promising step toward revitalizing the tourism sector. With initiatives designed to attract tourists and enhance their experiences, the government is laying the groundwork for a new era of tourism that embraces both global outreach and local engagement. By harnessing the potential of the Indian diaspora and improving infrastructure, India aims to position itself as a premier destination for travelers worldwide.
