VFS Global recently concluded a six-city travel trade roadshow across Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Kochi, Mumbai, Chandigarh and New Delhi, attracting over 600 agents and tour operators. The initiative was designed to strengthen collaboration with the travel trade ahead of the peak summer season.
One of the key highlights was the rollout of the UK’s new eVisa system, now live across all categories. VFS Global briefed trade partners on the procedural changes under this framework, addressing industry queries amid rising demand for UK travel.
The roadshows also highlighted the growing need for travellers to apply for visas well in advance, with Schengen countries now accepting applications up to 180 days before travel. VFS Global urged agents to encourage applicants to plan early, thereby avoiding last-minute rush. The company reiterated that visa appointments remain free of charge and can only be booked through its official website, www.vfsglobal.com reinforcing its #ApplyInAdvance and #DoNotFallForFraud campaigns.
Commenting on the initiative, Yummi Talwar, COO, South Asia, VFS Global said, “Our annual roadshows with the travel trade ahead of the peak season represent an important opportunity to showcase the initiatives we have introduced to make the applicant journey more seamless and secure. They also allow us to listen closely to the trade and understand the challenges they encounter. By engaging directly with them, we are able to help them resolve issues that fall within our scope of services, strengthening collaboration and supporting better experiences for the applicants.”
Another key focus was the rising demand for doorstep solutions such as Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD), available for several Schengen countries and Saudi Arabia, and the UK-focused On Demand Mobile Visa (ODMV) service. These services have gained popularity among applicants seeking convenience and privacy, indicating the industry’s shift toward more personalised solutions.
The strong response across all six cities reflects the close collaboration between VFS Global and the travel trade.
