Canada eyes double digit tourist growth from India

Canada's tourism board is expecting double-digit growth in visitor arrivals from India in 2017 with the introduction of a new non-stop service between Mumbai and Toronto.

In the last six years, number of Indians visiting Canada on leisure and business trips has doubled.

In 2016, Canada received 215,664 Indian visitors, a rise of 13.2% over the previous year.

“We are anticipating a double-digit growth this year with the launch of Air Canada service to Mumbai from July,” said Sanjeet, India representative of Destination Canada. 

Apart from new flights growth is also seen in meeting and incentive tour segments and self drive holidays.

The Canadian government has also stepped up its efforts to attract more visitors in 2017 which is 150th anniversary of its foundation.

Canada's minister for small business and tourism Bardish Chagger met travel agents in Delhi and Mumbai over Wednesday and Thursday seeking more visitors and get a feedback from Indian trade partners.

“2017 is Canada's 150th birthday. It is the year to visit Canada. Come visit us we have a lot to offer,” she stated.

Chagger is amongst the four ministers of Indian origin in Canada's federal government and the seventh minister from the country to visit India in last eight months. 

This was her maiden visit to India after taking charge in 2015.

Chagger was apprised of visa delays which could result in slowing down of tourist movement from India. 

Sources say that visa processing is taking 30-45 days. Sanjeet, however, said the visa issue is being addressed by the Canadian government. 

“Now visas are being issued within fifteen days. The High Commission in Delhi is handling around 1,000 applications daily and has also introduced electronic visa applications and this is expected to reduce processing time further,” he said.