Travel advisories discouraging, MEA should act: Praful Patel

New Delhi: Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel plans to ask the Ministry of External Affairs to help dissuade foreign countries from issuing advisories against travelling to India. Negative advisories are hitting the tourism and hospitality sectors, Patel said at the sixth Galileo Express TravelWorld Awards here today.
“Terrorism isn’t unique to India; the US, Spain and other countries have been targeted in the past. It is extremely discouraging that foreign countries have been issuing travel advisories to their citizens. The impact has been far-reaching and is affecting hotels and other allied services,” Patel said.
“I would like the ministry to take up the issue with foreign countries,” he added.
Several countries put out travel advisories after the attacks in Mumbai. The advisories are not binding, but influence travellers nonetheless. Over the past few days, the US, Britain and Australia have softened their warnings, but continue to advise their nationals to exercise caution while visiting India.
The blow is harder because it has come is the peak tourist season. India might lose 10-15 per cent of expected tourist arrivals because of the Mumbai attacks, it is feared.
11/12/08 Indian Express

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Categories: Foreign Dec 2008, Indian Aviation- In General Dec 2008