March 31, 2020
The portal provides updates on the Coronavirus pandemic and information on support services available to foreign tourists in India
It includes access to COVID-19 helpline numbers and call-centers providing help and guidance in different foreign languages
The platform connects tourists with Foreign Ministry control centers and state or region-specific support infrastructure
The Central Government’s initiatives showcase the priority given to the health and safety of foreign tourists in India
The Ministry of Tourism officially announced the launch of the ‘Stranded in India’ portal on March 31, created as a means to provide help and support to thousands of foreign tourists currently unable to leave India due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on international travel. According to a Ministry of Tourism statement, the portal connects stranded foreign tourists with comprehensive updates on the pandemic as well as vital information regarding the special services and support available to them.
The Government of India is taking steps to provide reassurance to foreign tourists currently in India, with the portal serving as a repository of key information. This includes access to COVID-19 helpline numbers and call-centers equipped to provide guidance and support to foreign tourists who reach out for help. The Ministry of Tourism had previously established a 24×7 Toll-Free Helpline in 10 foreign languages, Hindi, and English for foreign tourists seeking assistance. The portal also provides contact details for the Ministry of External Affairs control centers dedicated to updates on COVID-19, as well as helpful information on the availability of state-specific or region-specific support infrastructure.
Foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) into India have steadily increased over the last three years on the back of the nation’s strengthening political, trade and cultural ties. As per a Ministry of Tourism report on March 2, foreign tourist arrivals during 2017, 2018 and 2019 were reported at 10 million, 10.6 million and 10.9 million (provisional), respectively. The rise has been driven by India’s improving stand across the fields of tourism, healthcare, education, trade, and investment.
Last year, India had moved up six places to rank 34th on the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index based on global tourism and travel. By creating the ‘Stranded in India’ portal, the government continues its initiatives to enhance India’s image as a global tourism destination.
The portal can be accessed at www.strandedinindia.com.