ETW STAFF – Bengaluru
To further promote USA as a destination of choice to Indian outbound travellers originating from South India, VUSACOM (Visit USA Committee), supported by the US Commerce Department, launched its Bengaluru chapter recently. Under the leadership Ashwini Kakkar, president, VUSACOM India and Manoj Gursahani, the VP, this is the third chapter to be set up in India after Mumbai and New Delhi. The India committee comprises of leading travel companies that are promoting USA, state tourism boards, attractions, hotels and airlines, in addition to honorary committee members from the US Consulate General.
Speaking on the choice of the city Gauri Jayaram, president, Bengaluru chapter said “Bengaluru is significant from the perspective of its strategic location in South India and the opportunity it offers to grow the MICE as well as educational exchange business.”
The main objective of VUSACOM is to enhance tourist traffic from India to USA, to facilitate simpler visa processing practices and act as a platform for Travel Agents and USA Tour Suppliers to work closely with each other. Earlier this year a meeting between VUSACOM Bengaluru chapter and the US Department of Commerce was attended by consul general Chennai to discuss plans to meet the mutual objectives of growing tourism to USA.
Recently, the US Department of State implemented a programme that will allow certain applicants to apply for visas without being interviewed in person by a US consular officer. This will make it easier for Indian citizens to obtain visas to visit the US for business meetings and also take time to enjoy the many tourist and cultural activities that America has to offer.
