Visa on Arrival for tourists from Buddhist countries

Soon nationals from countries having sizable Buddhist population such as Thailand and Malaysia would be provided with the benefit of Visa on Arrival (VOA).

Currently, India extends VoA facility to 11 countries including Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines and Myanmar.

Inaugurating a two day International Buddhist Conclave at Varanasi last week, Union Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahai said India being the land of origin of Buddhism, is the main attraction for the Buddhist tourists from across the globe.

He said his Ministry is drawing up plans to attract more tourists from Buddhist countries by providing them special facilities.

"Buddhism being a world religion now, its sites have a great attraction for tourists' world over. The Ministry of Tourism is continuing with its efforts in identifying more and more Buddhist Circuits and developing them in holistic and integrated manner," he said.

Sahai announced that his Ministry has identified three circuits to be developed as part of Buddhist Circuits during the 12th Five Year Plan.

Observing how tourism today is being looked upon as a driver of economic growth, Sahai said India too has seen rapid development in tourism over the last few years apart from promoting its rich heritage and culture.

He said during the 12th Five Year Plan period the government has identified around 35 major integrated circuits and destinations having potential to attract a large number of tourists. It is proposed to develop around 20 tourism parks on the lines of Sentosa Islands in Singapore.

The Tourism Minister was speaking at a conclave held with a view to showcasing and projecting the Buddhist heritage of India. The delegates at the conclave include Buddhist scholars, tour operators and media both domestic and international who actively promote Buddhist Tourism.