Travel management companies have observed a significant uptick in outbound travel interest. Veena Robinson, Vice President of India Sales at Discover Destinations, highlighted this trend. “We’ve been conducting roadshows in various Indian cities, including tier-II and tier-III markets. The interest from families, students, and MICE groups for travel to the US is expanding nationwide. However, the lack of readily available visa appointments is forcing many to delay their travel plans until next year,” Robinson said.
Airlines Notice Increased Demand from Diverse Segments
This surge in demand is being felt across various segments of air travel. Harvinder Singh, Director for the Middle East & India at United Airlines, noted that business, student, and leisure travel are leading the way. “Interestingly, we’re seeing a growing number of small and medium-sized enterprises from non-metro Indian cities making trips to the US to explore business opportunities,” Singh added.
Visa Appointment Delays and Unconventional Practices
The current wait times for US visa appointments have become a significant hurdle, with some travel agents reporting delays of six months to a year. This has led to a rise in questionable practices as agents strive to meet client needs. An unnamed travel agent revealed that their company collaborates with a B2B partner to secure faster visa appointments for a fee. “We can get visa appointments for our clients in as little as a week. Clients are willing to pay for this ‘convenience’,” the agent said.
Call for Innovative Visa Solutions
To address these challenges, Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, suggests innovations such as the introduction of short-term tourist visas. “The demand for US travel is only going to increase, so there is a compelling business case for expanding visa capacity. Short-term tourist visas could be a way to mitigate these challenges,” Magow proposed.
Robinson echoed this sentiment, noting that short-term, tourist-focused visas could help companies like hers avoid losing potential business due to visa delays.
Record Number of Visas Processed
In 2023, the US Embassy and Consulates in India processed a record 1.4 million US visas. Currently, the US offers Indian travelers visas that are valid for 10 years, but the growing demand and extended wait times indicate a need for more flexible and innovative solutions.