Muscat: In a significant stride towards enriching the travel experience for visitors who speak Arabic, India's Ministry of Tourism has inaugurated an Arabic-language information helpline.
This endeavor is designed to provide crucial support and assistance to tourists from Arabic-speaking nations, enhancing their journey in India.
The introduction of this helpline is anticipated to be particularly beneficial for travelers from Oman, with recent data indicating that approximately 50,000 Omanis have visited India in 2023.
On Wednesday, India's Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, announced the launch of the helpline during a session of the Lok Sabha, India's lower house of Parliament.
The toll-free number, 1800111363, is equipped to offer comprehensive support and specialized services, providing essential travel information and assistance in Arabic. Furthermore, tourists can access this service through a short code 1363 in 12 foreign languages, including Arabic.
Among the languages supported by the helpline are Hindi, widely spoken in India, and English, which is the most commonly used language in the country.
Additional languages supported include French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin (Chinese), Portuguese, and Russian.
Short codes are condensed numbers utilized for multimedia messages (MMS) and short messages (SMS) within mobile network systems, facilitating quick access to assistance for tourists.
"Through the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism, 15 state governments and union territory administrations have established special tourist police units to assist visitors," Shekhawat mentioned.
He expressed optimism that these initiatives would simplify and enhance the travel experience for international visitors.
There has been a growing collaboration between Oman and India, with both countries engaging in numerous meetings to strengthen their bilateral relations.
According to the Indian Embassy in Oman, Omanis are eligible for e-visas to India, with applications processed online within 48 hours for a fee of OMR16, and the visa is valid for one year. Oman and India have also deepened their cooperation in various sectors, including renewable energy, defense, maritime security, metals and mining, manufacturing, aerospace, and logistics.
The launch of the Arabic helpline and the strengthening of bilateral ties highlight India's dedication to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for international visitors while furthering its strategic partnerships with travelers from Arabic-speaking countries.
