Germany Makes it Easier for Indians to Get Visas, Invests ₹4.5 Crore in Tourism Promotion
Germany aims to attract more Indian tourists with a ₹4.5 crore investment for self-promotion in India. They strive to be the top choice for Indian travelers, having pursued a similar strategy last year with underspending.
Efforts are underway to expedite the visa process, currently an eight-week wait. Georg Enzweiler of the German Embassy acknowledged bureaucratic delays but expressed hope for improvements. Additional staff is being hired in Mumbai to manage visa applications.
Enzweiler noted India’s high demand for German visas due to its popularity in the Schengen area. Consequently, visa rules for Indian travelers have been revised, allowing applications at multiple Indian centers.
In 2022, Germany hosted 623,000 Indian tourists for at least three hotel nights. Targeting a million such tourists by late 2023, this figure excludes around 20% opting for friend stays or Airbnb.
The German National Tourist Board (GNTB), led by Romit Theophilus, promotes Germany as a tourist hotspot. Funding from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, approved by the German Bundestag, bolsters these tourism endeavors.