The escorted touring specialist has launched a trade exclusive 10% discount on all India tours booked before 24 December in an attempt to kick-start bookings, urging agents to capitalise on pent-up demand for the destination owing to its more cautious emergence from the pandemic.
India suspended its eVisa programme during the pandemic; however, despite being restored to more than 150 countries – including all EU member states – the UK remained conspicuous by its absence.
That was until Monday (5 December) when high commissioner Vikram Doraiswami confirmed the country’s eVisa portal would reopen to travellers from the UK "soon", although no exact timeframe has yet been revealed.
Newmarket said in the absence of an eVisa option, the long delays in processing full visa applications – which require an in-person appointment – had stymied bookings to the country. "Prior to the pandemic, India was a top-selling destination," said Newmarket.
Richard Harrington, Newmarket destination manager US, Canada and Asia, said the decision was great news for the operator and the destination. "It’s a far simpler, faster and much cheaper option for customers travelling to this great country," he said.
"India is a much-loved destination that, from a travel viewpoint, has emerged from pandemic restrictions more slowly than other locations. Because of the visa delays, there is going to be lots of pent-up demand from people who want to visit, so it’s a great opportunity for travel agents to focus on over the next few months."
Newmarket offers nine escorted tours of India, and has 60 available departures for 2023 and 2024 agents can book, all of which are guided and come with hand-picked accommodation, escorted excursions and activities, meals, transfers and return flights.
India – Tigers and the Taj Mahal (10 days) leads in from £1,309pp; India’s Rajasthan – Palace and Fort (16 days) from £2,646pp; and Kerala and India’s Beautiful South (18 days) from £2,547pp. All prices are inclusive of the 10% discount. Agents should use code INDIA10 when booking.
