Kolkata: Israel opens visa application center for WB, Northeastern tourists
To encourage more Indian travelers to visit Israel, the latter has opened a visa application center in Kolkata for tourists from West Bengal and the Northeastern states, sources in the Israel embassy said. Additionally, visa applications in the jurisdiction under the New Delhi center would also be accepted at the new Kolkata Center, a release on behalf of the embassy said.
Here are the visa application categories at the Kolkata center
The visa application categories at the Kolkata center include those who go there for employment, for business, tourism, meeting or conference, and for students.
Indian tourists record half-yearly growth of 82% in Israel
Hassan Madah, Director of the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, India and Philippines, said Israel is experiencing a tourism boom like never before. India has recorded a half-yearly growth of 82% in tourists visiting Israel from January-June this year as compared to the same period in 2015. Israel thus consistently aims to introduce initiatives that ease the procedure of visa applications to Israel, he said.
Israel has also reduced visa fees
The WB and NE residents will no longer be required to send their documents to the Israeli embassy in New Delhi. Israel recently announced a reduction in visa fees to Rs. 1,100 from Rs. 1,700. In Dec'17, relaxed visa documentation was brought in for applicants who availed visas of Schengen countries, US, Canada, Australia or Israel and have completed their travel to these destinations.
Israel Ministry of Tourism to conduct roadshow in Kolkata
The Israeli Ministry of Tourism will be conducting a roadshow in Kolkata on August 29 to increase the interest in visiting the country among consumers and trade fraternity. This will help to tap newer segments of travelers, Madah said. A maiden roadshow was held at Guwahati (Assam) in May this year and successfully introduced the varied tourism offerings of Israel, he said.
