Tourism to be hit as govt issues travel advisory

The Indian travel and tourism industry, which has been already reeling under the impact of the global slowdown, could next be a victim of the swine flu outbreak. India issued a travel advisory on Monday asking citizens to avoid ‘non-essential travel’ to New Zealand, Mexico, the US, Canada, Spain, France and Britain. Among these countries, the US and the UK are the biggest destinations for Indian travellers.
Moreover, a team of doctors has been stationed at the nine major international airports to screen all the inbound tourists especially from these countries. Considering that it is unclear when the disease would be contained, the travel industry could witness cancellations and a further drop in the business.
“Most of the corporate travel is undertaken by professionals from the IT & the ITeS industry and the US and the UK are their biggest markets. So, definitely outbound travel will get impacted,” said Praveen Gandhi, CEO, Carlson Wagonlit Travel India, one of the largest corporate travel companies in India. He added that corporates take these advisories pretty seriously.
For leisure travel, Mexico and Spain are not very popular among Indians. However, the US, UK and France are some of the biggest attractions for people on holiday from India. “Though it is non-season in New Zealand right now, Indians are travelling to the country as it is summer vacations here. However, people travelling with family and kids are likely put a hold on their plans after the advisory,” said Pradeep Lulla, president of the Travel Agents Federation of India.
Financial Express