Tasked with the role of building international relations and promoting the interests of their home countries in India, Express TravelWorld spoke to some of the Consul Generals across the country to get their perspective on tourism exchange and visa issuance
India-Australia ties
Australia and India are both committed to broadening and deepening their strategic partnership. Our two countries have decided that we need to open the batting together more often. That kind of partnership means a commitment across the board, and for the longer term. It means that we are actively seeking out new ways to work together, new means to come to know each other better and new paths to co-operate together in our region and in the world. The work programme for that strategic partnership is open-ended; we want to keep on adding new subjects and fields for co-operative endeavour. We are now working systematically together on Indian Ocean issues (especially the health of our ocean), strategic and security matters, science collaboration, water basin management, Antarctica, regional economic integration, agricultural productivity, and many such matters.
People-to-people links through education are fundamentally important, whether they are developed through the experiences of the tens of thousands of Indian students in Australia, or through Australia’s New Colombo Plan (which is bringing more Australian students to India). Indian students in Australia, like the Australians studying in India, are making a personal investment not only for their own future but also for our future together in the region we share. Tourism links have been an enormous success. Numbers in 2015 have been boosted by Australia’s hosting of the Cricket World Cup. Nonetheless, even discounting that one-off effect, the number of Indian tourists coming to Australia is growing rapidly and consistently. They come for extended periods, and are now moving outside the traditional itinerary of Sydney and the Gold Coast, and are coming back for return visits as well. Those Australians who were born in the smaller states (and I am a sixth generation Tasmanian) are especially lucky that Indian tourists are discovering the charms and joys of places where we have grown up.
Role in tourism promotion
We at the Australian Consulate General are honoured to be able to support and assist Tourism Australia in promoting the remarkable range, beauty and diversity of Australia. We are also happy to showcase the exceptional food (including especially vegetarian food) and wine which Australia has to offer tourists. As representatives of Australia, we know our country well and love Australia deeply and passionately. We want Indians to come to know and love Australia in their own ways as well, certainly not as much as they do India itself, but enough to begin planning a return visit.
Growth in visa issuance
Australia’s Tourism Forecasting Committee (TFC) is forecasting 245,000 Indian visitors for 2015-16, up by 12 per cent over 2014-15. This would make India Australia’s eight largest inbound market. The top five Aussie attractions that appeal to Indian travellers are beaches, iconic landmarks, wildlife, food and wine, and the Great Barrier Reef (GBR).
– Mark Pierce, Consul General, Australian Consulate General, Mumbai
(As told to Rituparna Chatterjee)
India-Thailand ties
Even though this year marks the 68th anniversary of diplomatic relation between Thailand and India, these two countries have been enjoying, what we can call ‘natural ties’ since 1000 years. We share so many similarities in terms of culture, language, literature and food. In fact, these ties have been and will be the natural links that can get our people closer to each other and will help strengthen our cordial bilateral relations.
Role in tourism promotion
Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Many people know Thailand as the ‘Land of Smiles’ where they can always find smiles on Thai people’s faces under most circumstances. Thailand has also been one of the most favorite foreign destinations for Indian travellers since a couple of years. This is the reason why many Indians have already been to major cities in Thailand, especially Bangkok and Pattaya. Through the Discover Thainess campaign, Thailand has been promoting 12 new tourist destinations to offer new experiences to repeat travellers. These hidden gems are Lampang, Phetchabun, Nan, Buri Ram, Loei, Samut Songkhram, Ratchaburi, Trat, Chanthaburi, Trang, Chumphon, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. We’d like to attract more high income groups to Thailand from segments like the big fat Indian weddings, honeymooners, golfers, and even big bikers. In addition to the Discover Thainess campaign, we are trying to promote Thai tourism through our cuisine.
Growth in visa issuance
2012 was our best success in terms of quantity as there were more than one million Indian visitors (or more precisely 1,015,865 persons). This year, we expect to repeat that figure. However, the growth of visa issuance by the Thai missions in India can’t be the only factor to measure the growth as we also offer Visa on Arrival (VOA) for last minute Indian travellers . You can even apply
for VOA when you arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
– Nat Pinyowattanacheep, Consul General Royal Thai Consulate-General, Mumbai
(As told to ETW)
India-Germany ties
It is along standing, very broad and intense relationship, which encompasses all the different walks of life. Politically, we have a strategic partnership, every two years there are governmental consultations, many ministers with the prime minister/ chancellor travel to the other country. We talk about bi-lateral relations and also global affairs, from cyber security to Afghanistan to our bid to become members of United National Security Council to climate policy. We have more than one billion Euros which is annually going into cooperation with India, specially in high-tech areas. There are more than 1800 German companies in India, 750 in Maharashtra alone. Trade is 18 billion Euros. The EU is biggest trade partner for India and Germany is the number one. Student exchange is another important aspect with around 12,000 Indian students in Germany – the biggest group in any non-English speaking country. We also have an increasing exchange with highly trained professionals (for instance IT, scientists).
Role in tourism promotion
We have many specialised institutions that work with the Embassy in Delhi and the Consulates. German National Tourist Office (GNTO) is an important part of promoting Germany as a tourist destination in India and we as a consulate work in close cooperation with them. Our role is to promote German politics, economy, investing in Germany, attracting bright minds to work and also attracting tourists. We try to attract Bollywood location scouts to Germany, we have good production facilities and nice places to shoot. We work with the media, bloggers, and through Facebook. There are also regional organisations like SouthWest Germany tourism. Germany has something for every taste and budget. Apart from Frankfurt airport which every Indian knows, the trend is to travel to the south of Germany, I’m more from north of Germany where there are less discovered cities like Berlin, Hamburg which has a harbour festival celebrated for 827 years, and wonderful landscapes.
Growth in visa issuance
Tourism has increased a lot, over the last 10 years. Increase in overnights by Indians in Germany has been between five per cent and 27 per cent . Last year it saw almost nine per cent increase. The overnights of Indians is now almost seven lakh. I see a lot more potential. Last year we gave out almost 144,000 visas from all our five missions, almost 50,000 from Mumbai alone. The bulk is business and trade fairs, tourism is one-fifth and increasing.
– Michael Siebert, Consul General Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mumbai
(As told to Sudipta Dev)
India-Switzerland ties
Switzerland and India have enjoyed long lasting and friendly relations. Switzerland opened its Consulate General in Mumbai back in 1915 and a number of celebrations took place in 2015 to mark the 100th anniversary of the official Swiss presence in the city. In 1947, Switzerland was the first nation to sign a Treaty of Friendship with India. This treaty is still in place and is the cornerstone of our bilateral partnership in various areas. Currently, Switzerland is among the top 10 foreign investors in the country and about 220 Swiss companies are operating in India, many of them in the manufacturing sector. The Swiss Indian Chamber of Commerce with offices in Zürich and Mumbai (and four chapters throughout India) is an important private sector partner in fostering the business relations between the two countries.
In 2011, Switzerland opened its second Consulate General in India in Bengaluru, which hosts Swissnex, the exchange platform for science, education, art and innovation. The official Swiss representations in India are currently organising the Year of Swiss Innovation in India. In connection with the innovation initiative, a travelling exhibition dedicated to the famous Swiss architect, urban planner and artist Le Corbusier, is currently touring through several cities all over India. An area of rapidly growing significance is tourism. Switzerland has become a very popular destination for Indian travellers and the numbers are growing fast.
Role in tourism promotion
Switzerland Tourism with its India office in Mumbai, are mandated to promote tourism to Switzerland. They are conceptualising marketing measures and are partnering with the Consulate General on selected events and activities. Right now one emphasis is on promoting Switzerland as a first class winter destination to Indian travellers.
Growth in visa issuance
Growth in visa issuance for 2015 was quite significant, with an increase of around 20 per cent of the number of Schengen visas issued by the Swiss representations in India.
– Martin Bienz, Consul General Consulate General of Switzerland, Mumbai
(As told to Rituparna Chatterjee)
India-South Korea ties
The ties between India and South Korea dates back to 48AD, when according to a legend, Queen Suro or Princess Heo Hwang-ok, travelled from the Kingdom of Ayodhya in north India to Korea. In the modern era the ties were relatively limited, although much progress arose during the past three decades and since the formal establishment of the diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1973, several trade agreements have been reached including – Agreement on Trade Promotion and Economic and Technological Co-operation in 1974; Agreement on Co-operation in Science & Technology in 1976; Convention on Double Taxation Avoidance in 1985; and Bilateral Investment Promotion/ Protection Agreement in 1996. The trade has increased exponentially, from US$ 530 million during the fiscal year of 1992-1993 to US$ 17.6 billion in 2013. In 2007 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the two cities of Busan and Mumbai, they now share the title of sister cities. Moreover, Maharashtra and South Korea’s Gyeonggi province signed a pact for mutual cooperation in industries, trade, cultural activities and tourism which has opened the doors to various Korean companies to set up and develop their products in India and Maharashtra.
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) which was signed in 2009 and the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Korea has further improved the ties which will only become stronger and strategic and I look forward to further
enhancing trade in the coming years.
Role in tourism promotion
The consulate along with the Korean Tourism Board in India organise various functions like the K-pop music talent show, Korean food festivals, national day events in Mumbai and Pune, and Korean film festivals, and we also participate in various culinary gatherings to promote Korean cuisine. This has helped the Indian citizens to understand the Korean culture, music, cuisine and movies much better and also appreciate it as well. If you see the kind of response we get for the all India K-pop event you will be overwhelmed by the level of singing and dancing by the youth of India. So exposure to these events has helped in a long way to boost tourism to Korea. This directly reflects in the number of tourists which has significantly increased over the past few years.
Growth in visa issuance
Over the past few years visa issuance has tremendously increased here at the Mumbai Consulate mainly due to the efforts of the Korean Tourism Board, and with Indian movies being filmed in South Korea the people here are more aware of the beauty and heritage of our country. At the same time a lot of Indian companies have tied up with the Korean ones which has also increased the flow of business travel to Korea. Looking forward, these numbers are set to increase with the government allowing more foreign investment into India especially with the opportunities provided by the two governments.
– Seok-Gu-Jang, Consul General Consulate General of the Republic of Korea, Mumbai
(As told to Rituparna Chatterjee)
India-Philippines ties
India-Philippines relations have seen much progress in recent years with greater engagement on different fronts. High-level visits have become the norm between the two countries, helped no doubt by India’s ‘Look East/ Act East Policy’ and India’s robust relations with the ASEAN. Both countries are committed to democratic values and both are comfortable with the English language. The strength of the relations has been enhanced by shared concerns on peace and security of the region, as well as by increasing people-to-people exchanges. The big presence of Indian companies in the Philippines has contributed to a better appreciation of the Philippines not only as an investment destination but also as an ideal country for living and for tourism for Indian expatriates, their families and friends. Recent years have also seen increased number of Indian students coming to the Philippines for quality medical, human resource education and aviation. Overall, we see Philippines-India ties continue to strengthen as engagement deepens.
Role in tourism promotion
The embassy as well as the Philippine honorary consulate generals in Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata play very important roles in promoting tourism. They provide invaluable source of information regarding travel to the Philippines and visa requirements and cultural notes on the Philippines.
Growth in visa issuance
We have experienced rapid growth in the issuance of visas for the past several years. In 2015, the total number of visas issued stood at 31,072, up 10.26 per cent compared to last year’s 27,884. The growth has been on an upward trend since 2008.
– Embassy of the Philippines
(As told to Rituparna Chatterjee)
India-Sweden ties
Sweden and India have always had a good relationship. Our first Ambassador to India, Alva Myrdal, was a close friend of Jawaharlal Nehru, and Swedish companies have been in India for over a hundred years.
Sweden gave a lot of development assistance to India until end of 2013, which gives an indication how much we valued India. We still do of course, but today India is much stronger economically, so it makes sense that we have phased out our development assistance. It actually makes us more equal partners. The ties between our two countries are still strong. Trade is increasing. The number of student exchanges is increasing, as well as the number of Indian tourists to Sweden.
Last year, we saw a 24 per cent increase in Indian commercial bed nights in Sweden. People looking for something exotic should absolutely visit. Go trekking in the mountainous Lapland, or spend a night in the Icehotel. Explore Stockholm from a roof guided tour or Visit Skåne with its coastline and old castles. Swedish cuisine has got an upswing in recent years with many chefs winning prestigious awards.
Role in tourism promotion
We are trying to create awareness about Sweden as a tourist destination together with Visit Sweden – Sweden’s official tourism agency. As mentioned above, there are really many opportunities for Indian tourists in Sweden. Spend a few days in the capital of Stockholm, try out its restaurants and shop Swedish designed clothes, while rounding off the day with a “fika”. Or, experience the vast calmness of the North, trek its mountains and fish salmon in its rivers. Or set up a business conference in Stockholm or Göteborg with a visit to the Nobel Museum included in the program. We are using traditional media as well as social media to get through with our message. We have also done match making between Indian travel agencies/ agents and Visit Sweden plus Swedish companies in the travel business.
In 2014 we had 1,55,203 bed nights spent by Indian travellers, Given the rapid growth of the market it might be a bigger market in the future. VisitSweden has a partnership with VisitNorway and VisitDenmark for their marketing efforts in India to create better impact, as we are aware that the Indian traveller likes to do round-trips and the three Scandinavian countries are a perfect combination.
Growth in visa issuance
The Consulate General does not process visas here in Mumbai. The application process happens through VFS . The total increase of incoming applications in 2015 is 19 per cent compared to 2014.
– Fredrika Ornbrant, Consul General Consulate General of Sweden, Mumbai
(As told to Sudipta Dev)
India-Kenya ties
Kenya Vision 2030 is the national long-term development policy that aims to transform Kenya into a newly industrialising, middle-income country providing a high quality of life to all its citizens by 2030 in a clean and secure environment.
Kenya’s economic growth could be the highest in sub-Saharan Africa over the next 15 years, according to a new World Bank report. Kenya’s economy was expected to grow at 5.4 per cent in 2015, recording an improvement over the 2014 growth rate of 5.3 percent, states a recent World Bank economic report. The growth rate in 2016 is projected to be 5.7 per cent.
A large number of Indian companies are present in Kenya including Tata Group, Reliance Industries, Essar, Bharti Airtel, public sector banks like Bank of Baroda, Bank of India and insurance companies. In fact, GIC and other public sector insurance companies are having 60 per cent shares in KenIndia, one of the largest Kenyan insurance companies. Recently, Mahindra & Mahindra set up a new business unit to focus on the continent and be present as ‘One Mahindra’ in Africa.
India emerges as the largest tourism source market for Kenya, having registered a 26 per cent growth in Indian arrivals in 2013. After witnessing a remarkable growth in tourism from India, our office has participated in various roadshows arranged by Kenya Tourism Board in Mumbai to promote the destination. The number of international tourist arrivals in Kenya was 1,434,000 in 2013.
Role in tourism promotion
During my tenure, I arranged several high level exchanges between Indian and Kenyan counterparts and conducted trade, tourism and investment promotions jointly with the Indo-African Chamber of Commerce under the guidance of the High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya; the High Commission office is based in New Delhi.
– Ramavtar Goenka, Honorary Consul The Republic of Kenya in India
(As told to Rituparna Chatterjee)
India-Netherlands ties
The Netherlands is India’s fifth largest trading partner in the EU and one of the top five investors of FDI into India. Concurrently, India is the fifth largest source of FDI into the Netherlands. India’s economic interests in the Netherlands as a key trade partner include cooperation in areas such as: infrastructure, transport and logistics, science and technology, water management, environment, agriculture and food processing.
Dutch multinationals like Phillips, DSM, Shell, Unilever, Rabobank, etc., have a growing and successful presence in India. Dutch SMEs with niche technologies and world-class expertise are also actively looking at the India market. There are over 180 Indian companies that have set up their base in the Netherlands which include major IT companies such as TCS, Wipro, HCL, Infosys, Tech-Mahindra. Other prominent companies include Cipla, United Phosphorus Limited, Kirloskar Brothers. Besides, our national carrier, KLM operating direct flights from New Delhi to Amsterdam, this March, Jet Airways will launch its daily non-stop services between India and the Netherlands making Amsterdam its new European gateway. This in turn will facilitate further growth in business and tourism between the two countries. The Netherlands has the largest community of Indian diaspora in Continental Europe, next only to UK.
Role in tourism promotion
At the consulate, we focus on promoting trade and business between India and the Netherlands while highlighting Dutch innovations. The Netherlands as a tourism and education destination are also a part of the events we organise. In fact, last year when the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, had visited India we had hosted a week long series of events in Mumbai under the banner Holland Meets Mumbai across themes of sports, culture, art, business, etc. The idea was to introduce the people of Mumbai to the Netherlands – a Holland Village complete with windmills, Dutch houses, Dutch food, clogs, music was put together for the general audience. This year, we turn our focus to Pune and Puneites should expect a few events there!
Growth in visa issuance
The Embassy of the Netherlands reported that they had received over 50,000 applications in 2015 from across the nation and a 14 per cent growth in application numbers. I’m sure these numbers would be on the rise this year too, especially in light of the two new direct flights being introduced by Jet Airways which makes it even easier to reach the Netherlands.
– Geoffrey van Leeuwen, Consul General Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mumbai
(As told to Sudipta Dev)
India-Indonesia ties
We have many things in common; inter influence among both countries is one of them. The prospect is very good. More B2B contact should take place between India and Indonesia, and I will ensure it happens by putting my best efforts. I had a unique programme two months ago, where eight to nine-year-old students had requested to meet me. I felt that these students should know what Indonesia is, so I gave them a piece of paper with information about Indonesia, and 10 minutes to read it, then I asked them questions about Indonesia. Each one of them raised their hands and provided authentic answers; It was a good thing for me. There is a very natural feeling in each of us.
Role in tourism promotion
I travel a lot; I covered eight states in West and South and two union territories. Just one week ago, I went to Pune where I visited four universities, conducted exclusive interviews with journalists, I visited Mahindra & Mahindra, Bajaj and also the chamber of commerce for trade and economy. I tried to explore everything and tell people that I am their brother. I sang a Arjit Singh song in front of them because I like Indian songs. When I sang, people were surprised. This is the way to interact with each other, I will show that I love this country and I am not here for just business. I have been to Poland, Canada, Madagaskar; I had learned their language in one-two years, because I interact with people. This is how we work at the consulate general to improve the relations, so that tourism can be promoted. In the next three years here, I will do more of such activities.
Growth in visa issuance
The exchange of visas between the two countries is increasing very much. I will do my best to facilitate more growth in the future.
– Saut Siringoringo, Consul General Indonesian Consulate General, Mumbai
(As told to Mohit Rathod)
India-Israel ties
Israel is a safe, welcoming and a vibrant nation. The people-to-people connect between India and Israel is rather unique and filled with admiration. India and Israel are strong partners in trade and every year this relationship gets strengthened especially in the field of agriculture, water management, technology and cyber technology, healthcare amidst others. Israel in the recent times has been recognised as the ‘start-ups’ nation of the world. Israel has a lot to offer in the technology domain and leading technology companies from India have already set base in Israel. Apart from the Israeli expertise in technology, be it in the cyber or agricultural space, we would also like to introduce Israel’s food and hospitality offerings in the India market. Israeli wines are a specialty and it would be interesting to introduce the same in India. We are also keen to invite Indian cuisine experts to set up a high profile fine dining restaurant in Tel Aviv, as the city caters to a global palate. We also firmly support the ‘Make in India’ initiative and the recent visit of Sushma Swaraj, minister of external affairs of India, to Israel has proved to be highly positive for India-Israel relationship.
Role in tourism promotion
Israel is a friendly country with a number of museums, archaeological sites, and modern attractions to explore. Each region of Israel has something unique to offer. Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Eilat, Nazareth, Haifa, Akko, Massada, Negev Desert are famous tourist attractions. The country offers picturesque locations, colourful markets and distinctive excursions for an exciting holiday. Highlighting the above offerings, the Israel ministry of tourism (IMOT) hopes that 2016 will be a positive year for Israel tourism from India. Israel is an emerging tourist destination in India and has witnessed a phenomenal growth of 13 per cent last year. 2015 saw approximately 40,000 Indian tourists visiting Israel compared to around 35,000 in 2014. December 2015 alone has seen a growth of 52 per cent over last year. The country attracted over three million visitors globally in 2015. Witnessing the growth and potential from India, my office has provided complete support to the IMOT team in Mumbai headed by Hassan Madah, director, IMOT India, along with Judah Samuel, director of marketing, IMOT India. The recent visit of Amir Halevi, director general, IMOT along with David Maimon, CEO, EL AL airlines, goes to emphasise our faith in the India market. The IMOT team clearly stated that Israel has been gaining popularity in India. This propelled the department to triple its marketing budget for India in 2016. IMOT is also in talks with the civil aviation ministry and airlines in India for direct flights to Israel from India.
– David Akov, Consul General Consulate General of Israel, Mumbai
(As told to Reema Lokesh)
India-Sri Lanka relationship
The relationship between India and Sri Lanka is one of the oldest each has with another country. Apart from cultural relationship, we have very old trading and economic relationships, along with people to people contact. India is an important market for us in terms of trade and tourism. India accounted for quarter of a million tourists to Sri Lanka in 2014 and this number has increased. Sri Lanka is one of the best connected countries to India. From Mumbai itself there are three flights a day. India and Sri Lanka are naturally comfortable partners because we are so similar. The differences are very subtle between India and Sri Lanka, which means people are comfortable visiting each other and doing business with each other. Even for people to visit for a weekend there is no cultural shock, no adjustment time. That makes for very attractive destination both ways. Sri Lankans visit India for Buddhist circuits and places of Hindu and Christian pilgrimage.
Role in tourism promotion
The consulate takes part in travel shows and also engages with the travel trade. We keep close contact with the travel trade. We cooperate very well with Sri Lankan airlines, and the tourism board even though they are not present here are always in close contact with us. We try to include our other products like tea involved in promotions. Many of our tea gardens are tourism attractions. The olden bungalows there have been converted into boutique hotels, and promote tea and gastronomy. Sri Lanka is a country which does not need promotion as such – it has so much of natural beauty, it is self evident. We do a bit of cultural promotion and tourism goes along with it. Another segment that we focus on is MICE tourism. We are an old tourism destination – we started promoting tourism from 70s, so we have good quality roads, hotels and human resources are trained. We are now introducing experiential tourism like adventure, beach, Ayurveda, etc.
Growth in visa issuance
We have a robust e-visa system. We have a visa on arrival but it takes a bit longer and is slightly expensive so we encourage people to take e-visas. The consulate issues business visas, stay permits, employment visas. In the past 12 years there has been an increase of 18 to 20% growth in arrivals from India.
– Saroja Sirisena, Consul General Consulate General of Sri Lanka, Mumbai
(As told to Sudipta Dev)