Destination West for diverse dreams

KOLKATA: East is aspiring to go West. Just about everyone — tourists, businessmen, student community — is queuing up for visas with dreams in their eyes. The United States visa office in the city issued 10,220 visas in the last six months, a 50 per cent jump over January-June 2003. According to the US consulate public affairs officer, Susan Shultz, the rise was across all categories — business, tourist and intracompany transfers.The regular student traffic too, remained strong.
Next door Canada, too, is a hot destination. Visa applications from Kolkata have increased by a whopping 37 per cent against last year. Almost 85 per cent accounts for tourists, family visits and business. Students comprise 8 per cent while another 7 per cent are workers.
Across the Atlantic, old-favourite England remains a strong-draw. "In each of the previous three years, outbound travel from the east has witnessed a 15 per cent growth. This year visa applications are up by 20 per cent," said a British Deputy High Commission office spokesperson. While tourists continue to throng to London, student outflow has increased from 6 per cent in 2003 to 7.5 per cent in 2004.
Travel to other European destinations like Germany has also skyrocketed. Out of the 5,487 visas issued by the German Consulate last year, 4,353 were issued to tourists and business professionals and 190 to students. Till mid June 2004 it has already issued 3,482 visas (comprising 80 students) and expects to issue 7,000 visas by the year-end.
German vice-consul Ernst Schwering said fairs that were held round the year, had encouraged business travel. "Introduction of English as the medium of instruction and no fees for university education have sparked interest among students," he said. Visits to Italy has also risen sharply. This year, the Italian consulate has been receiving and issuing 25 visas everyday against 20-a-day last year. Tourists and businessmen make a majority of the pie.
West isn''t the only direction where Kolkatans are headed. Queues for visas to Bangkok, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia are getting longer each year. Thailand tops the chart. Its consulate in the city issues an average 100 visas everyday for both tourists and businessmen. Travel agents attributed this to the frequent flights and cheap fare to Bangkok. "Introduction of Malaysia Airlines and additional flights to Singapore will further boost travel to the region," said Gainwell Travel and Leisure managing director Manoj Saraf.