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Business Standard
24-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Spiritual circuits to gain as India opens doors to Chinese tourists
The Indian tourism sector has cheered the government's move to resume issuing visas to Chinese nationals after a hiatus of five years, while calling for 'concentrated efforts' to attract tourists from the neighbouring country, who had formed 27 per cent of the total foreign tourist footfall to India in 2019. 'It is a good move. China is one of our major trade partners, and tourism, which fosters people to people interaction, could lead to greater cooperation and understanding. But mere liberalisation of the visa regime is not enough. There should be a concentrated effort to create and actively promote itineraries and experiences geared to attract Chinese tourists,' said Ajay Prakash, vice president of the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH). India had received around 300,000 Chinese tourists in 2019, after which the Covid-19 pandemic prompted countries to close borders. 'Chinese tourists accounted for nearly 27 per cent of total foreign tourist arrivals to India in 2019, and we are very glad to welcome this move from the government as China is an important source market for the country,' said Ravi Gosain, president of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), which has been pushing for this for the past three years. In 2018, a survey conducted by and Chinese International Travel Monitor, said that Delhi and Mumbai were the top most visited Indian cities for Chinese tourists. However, the Taj Mahal in Agra took the cake as the most favoured site. 'Chinese tourists mostly used to visit in big groups and enjoyed the variety of experiences that India offers. The golden triangle, made up of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, was among the most sought after tours from these groups,' said a tour operator who did not wish to be named. Now, with the evolution of spiritual tourism in the country, the Buddhist spiritual corridors coming up in Bihar, connecting the ancient Vishnupad and Mahabodhi temples, there will be heightened interest from the Chinese traveller, say industry experts. 'With regional tourism now regaining momentum post-Covid, we believe the restoration of visas for Chinese tourists is critical to revive inbound growth,' Gosain added. The Embassy of India in China announced on Wednesday that Chinese nationals can apply for Indian visas from Thursday (July 24, 2025) after completing an online application and obtaining an appointment at the Indian Embassy in Beijing and the consulates in Shanghai and Guangzhou. This move comes on the heels of China resuming the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in June this year.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Time of India
‘Vishnupad Corridor project to transform pilgrims' experience'
Gaya: Gaya DM Thiyagarajan S M on Monday inspected the area surrounding the historic Vishnupad temple and held discussions with members of the Gayapal Panda Samaj about the proposed Vishnupad Corridor. The Centre has announced plans for the construction and beautification of the temple precincts, which attract lakhs of pilgrims annually, particularly during the Pitripaksh Mela. "Around Rs 61 crore will be spent on constructing a 144-foot corridor from Ghughritand bypass through the cremation ground, providing direct access to Vishnupad temple," the DM said. "Plans include beautifying the temple and developing the surrounding area to improve pilgrim facilities," he added. Key components of the project include a visitor facilitation centre opposite the temple, a grand entrance from the Falgu river, a 140-foot-wide path connecting the ghat to the centre and a bus stand. The infrastructure will be developed over 1.28 acres to enhance the pilgrim experience. "In view of the state tourism department's emphasis on preserving the temple's heritage and boosting tourism, the Centre has sanctioned this corridor," Thiyagarajan added. The DM also consulted members of the panda community, the executive engineer and the architect from Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation regarding proposed development plans and designs prepared by the tourism department.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
History Books Overlook India's Achievements: Tiwari At Ahilyabai Holkar's 300th Birth Anniversary Event
Nagpur: BJP city president Dayashankar Tiwari on Sunday said it is unfortunate that post-independence history has often emphasised India's flaws over its achievements. Speaking at Suresh Bhat Auditorium during celebrations of Ahilyabai Holkar's 300th birth anniversary on Sunday, he highlighted how India has a tradition of men standing up for women's rights, with figures like Holkar exemplifying empowered and visionary leadership long before the global women's movement took shape. Tiwari pointed out a unique aspect of Indian society, saying that women here did not always have to fight alone for their rights. "Whenever there was injustice against women, it was often the men who stood up and led the charge for change," he said, citing figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who fought against the practice of sati. "This kind of harmony and shared responsibility sets our culture apart." Highlighting Holkar's unmatched legacy, Tiwari called her a model for leadership rooted in moral strength and public service. "Ahilyabai's rule wasn't just administration — it was nation-building. She promoted women's empowerment, encouraged self-reliance, and gave society a new direction," he said. He lamented that no textbooks have done justice to her legacy. As part of the ongoing 10-day celebrations, a play based on Holkar's life was performed at the event. The final programme of the series will be held on May 31 across all districts. Ahilyabai Holkar ruled the Malwa kingdom for 28 years until her death in 1795. Tiwari noted that she accomplished what many could not do even a century later. "While women in England and Ireland got the right to vote almost a century later, Holkar already governed with wisdom and strength decades earlier." The event also saw tributes from other dignitaries. Former MP Vikas Mahatme said the play helped communicate Holkar's values to the public, while Ashish Deshmukh called her legacy 'unforgettable' and urged today's youth to draw inspiration from her life. Speakers also praised Holkar's devotion to cultural preservation, noting her efforts in restoring over 12,000 temples and sacred sites, including Vishnupad at Bodh Gaya. The message of the evening was clear: Ahilyabai Holkar's life is not just a chapter in history — it is a blueprint for leadership, service, and unity.
