Mumbai: Travel advisories issued by the US, the UK, New Zealand, Canada and Australia late Tuesday night have dampened spirits in the Indian hotel and airline industries, which were expecting things would look up in the festive season.
The local consulates of these five countries have issued travel alerts to their citizens, cautioning them about terror strikes during Indian festivals and other peak holiday periods.
These alerts are not expected to be lifted before January. “The Department of State reminds US citizens of the continued possibility of terrorist attacks throughout India and urges citizens to pay particular attention to their personal security during the Indian holiday season, which includes Hindu, Islamic, and other religious and secular holidays between October and January,”said a statement from the US consulate.
The five countries together account for over 35 per cent of annual foreign tourist arrivals to India, of which the US share is over 16 per cent.
The Australian government advisory said “terrorist attacks could occur at any time anywhere in India with little or no warning". The cautious approach stems from the fact that India has been subjected to two high-intensity terror strikes already this year, where at least 37 people lost their lives. Further, Indian security agencies have issued terror warnings to busy airports, railway stations and tourist spots frequented by foreigners.
Observers said the development might lead to cancellations in the hotel and tourism industry.
20/10/11 Swaraj Baggonkar & Aneesh Phadnis/Business Standard
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