India might open for international tourism by October 15

According to Shripad Naik, Union Minister of State for Tourism, international tourism may reopen in India as early as October 15.

International tourism currently remains suspended as scheduled international flights are banned as per COVID protocol. This could change and international tourists may be able to travel to India if the country reopens for international tourism by October 15 of this year.

During a Gandhi Jayanti function Shripad Naik said, “As corona decreases, we will start national and international tourism. The announcement will be made soon and there is a possibility of it beginning after October 15.”

He further said that international flights have started, and the government in India has already placed a request for charter flights to resume by a particular date. He said that this has been done so that people can book their trips to India instead of going elsewhere.

As of now, India has air bubble arrangements with other countries, but scheduled international flights are suspended. The suspension, lockdowns, and restrictions first began in March of last year.

International charter flights are largely responsible for foreign tourist footfalls in Goa. The Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant has already forwarded a request by the tourism industry to the Union Home Affairs Ministry, seeking permission to resume international charter flights operations at the earliest.