TBM Staff - Mumbai
With excitement building for the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Paris, Atlys, India’s leading online visa platform, has reported a staggering 60% surge in visa applications for France. This unprecedented spike underscores the heightened interest and enthusiasm among Indian travellers eager to be part of this global event. Notably, while travellers from major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore dominate the applicant pool, Atlys has also seen a significant increase in applications from smaller towns and rural areas.
In response to this surge, French consulates in India have ramped up their processing capabilities. Olympic visitors are now receiving their visa decisions in under a week on average, a substantial improvement over usual processing times. This expedited service ensures a smoother and more efficient experience for travellers, allowing them to focus on their Olympic journey rather than visa hurdles. Paris remains a top destination, with nearly a 40% increase in active travel listings on Atlys, ensuring ample availability for visitors drawn to the city’s iconic landmarks and Olympic venues.
Beyond Paris, travellers are exploring vibrant locations such as Nice, Aubervilliers, Colombes, and Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, all of which host key Olympic events. Lesser-known areas like Châteauroux for shooting events and Colombes for field hockey are also seeing a rise in bookings, offering visitors a diverse and enriching French experience. The rise in group travel bookings, with families and friends planning their Olympic trips together, is notable, with Atlys witnessing a 45% increase in group visa applications.
Additionally, a notable 50% increase in sports tourism-related queries has been observed, with travellers not only seeking to attend Olympic events but also expressing interest in visiting iconic French sports venues like Stade de France and Roland Garros. This surge highlights a growing trend among Indian travellers who are keen to combine their love for sports with their travel plans. Atlys has leveraged advanced AI and machine learning technologies to streamline the visa application process, offering real-time tracking, step-by-step guidance, and personalised assistance, ensuring even first-time applicants can navigate the complexities of visa procedures with ease.
