RAP eased in NE States
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CNBCTV18
NEW DELHI, Oct 30 : The Restricted Area Permits (RAP) and Protected Area Permits (PAP), needed by foreign tourists to travel across three border States in North East India, have been considerably eased with very few rejections, Union Ministry of Tourism's Regional Director in North East said. Earlier, RAP or PAP was very difficult to get for foreigners, but to promote North East as a tourist destination, the restrictions have been eased.
Foreigners need RAP or PAP to visit certain parts of North East India, particularly border States like Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland. "Now any foreign traveller can visit these States through organised tours, which are handled by local tour operators based in these particular States," Union Ministry of Tourism's Regional Director in North East Anil Oraw told PTI.
Local tour operators will handle all necessary arrangements, and the rejection rate for foreign tourists in these states is minimal. However, Oraw mentioned that travellers must apply for the permits in advance. The Indian government is looking to open up tourism in more border areas in the coming years, particularly near China and Myanmar borders.
The move is aimed at providing more employment opportunities to residents of these regions. Various vibrant villages, each with unique features, are being recognised, such as the Kibithu village in Arunachal Pradesh, which is believed to be the place where the first rays of the day's sun touches Indian soil.
Vietnamese airlines should start flights to northeastern states, says Indian Minister
Oraw highlighted the potential for collaboration between Vietnam and India in the tourism sector. Although there is currently a low influx of tourists from Vietnam to India, there is a significant outflow of Indian tourists to Vietnam.
He emphasised the need to bridge this gap and encouraged tour operators from Vietnam to explore opportunities in India, particularly in the North East, which has gained popularity among domestic tourists. The North East region offers immense potential for "green tourism", and in 2021, witnessed record-breaking domestic tourism, with 1.3 crore visitors from other parts of India attracted by its open, clean, hospitable environment, abundant natural beauty, and a range of accommodation options.
NEW DELHI, Oct 30 : The Restricted Area Permits (RAP) and Protected Area Permits (PAP), needed by foreign tourists to travel across three border States in North East India, have been considerably eased with very few rejections, Union Ministry of Tourism's Regional Director in North East said. Earlier, RAP or PAP was very difficult to get for foreigners, but to promote North East as a tourist destination, the restrictions have been eased.
Foreigners need RAP or PAP to visit certain parts of North East India, particularly border States like Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland. "Now any foreign traveller can visit these States through organised tours, which are handled by local tour operators based in these particular States," Union Ministry of Tourism's Regional Director in North East Anil Oraw told PTI.
Local tour operators will handle all necessary arrangements, and the rejection rate for foreign tourists in these states is minimal. However, Oraw mentioned that travellers must apply for the permits in advance. The Indian government is looking to open up tourism in more border areas in the coming years, particularly near China and Myanmar borders.
The move is aimed at providing more employment opportunities to residents of these regions. Various vibrant villages, each with unique features, are being recognised, such as the Kibithu village in Arunachal Pradesh, which is believed to be the place where the first rays of the day's sun touches Indian soil.
Vietnamese airlines should start flights to northeastern states, says Indian Minister
Oraw highlighted the potential for collaboration between Vietnam and India in the tourism sector. Although there is currently a low influx of tourists from Vietnam to India, there is a significant outflow of Indian tourists to Vietnam.
He emphasised the need to bridge this gap and encouraged tour operators from Vietnam to explore opportunities in India, particularly in the North East, which has gained popularity among domestic tourists. The North East region offers immense potential for "green tourism", and in 2021, witnessed record-breaking domestic tourism, with 1.3 crore visitors from other parts of India attracted by its open, clean, hospitable environment, abundant natural beauty, and a range of accommodation options.