Prasenjit Chakraborty - Mumbai The Indian travellers’ interest to visit Belgium has been increasing day by day as the country has rich history, architecture, gastronomy, and culture. However, the destination is lesser- known to Indians when compared with other European cities, said Frank Geerkens, Consul General the Kingdom of Belgium in Mumbai, while speaking to TravelBiz Monitor on the sidelines of the Visit Brussels event.
“Belgium is a very good destination but lesser known to India unlike Paris, London. But when people visit our country they are enchanted,” said Geerkens.
Talking about visas, he said that the Belgium Consulate Office in Mumbai receives 20 visa applications per hour. Geerkens also appealed to people to follow the proper procedure while applying for the visa. “Travellers should apply with valid documents,” he exhorted. “After Covid restriction was lifted, we observed a surge in travel, and everyone wanted to travel at the same time,” he explained. Geerkens also said that people should apply for a visa at least 15 days before travelling.
Talking about relations between India and Belgium, he said that both the countries enjoy a warm and cordial relation. “There is a great interest from Belgium people, companies and universities towards India. Both sides are keen to engage,” Geerkens pointed out. According to him, “Visit Brussels event will further consolidate the engagement between the two countries. “We have to make extra efforts to promote Belgium here in India,” admitted Geerkens.
“We are very impressed that India made it to the moon; please make it to Belgium too,” said Geerkens.
Meanwhile, Pieter Callebaut, International Business Developer, Visit Brussels, termed India as a potential market, and wants quality tourism from this market. “As of now the business from the India market is not satisfactory. However, we have invested a lot in this market (India) as it offers huge scope,” pointed out Callebaut.
