Many travellers are cancelling plans to visit India because of safety concerns following the Mumbai attacks. The US Department of State has issued a travel alert for India, and it's unclear how long it will take for tourism to the region to bounce back.
The US was the No. 1 source of foreign tourists to India in 2007, according to the Government of India's Bureau of Immigration, followed by visitors from the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Canada and France. Last year, India was the 11th most visited international destination by US residents.
Pradip Kothari, president of Quick Travel Inc. in New Jersey, which has tours to several cities in India, said he has had some cancellations, mostly from leisure travellers. But others who were planning to see family and friends seem to be going ahead with their trips, he said.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Traveling in India Hot Designations
In middle of anarchy and concern there is splendor and magnificence. In contemporary monoliths there are antique marvels in limestone. Enjoy the site and smells of antique mysterious India, read eras of history sketched on the walls. Think a lot of the beautiful carvings and depictions that tell of India's rich past.
Intermingle with the cultural communities; celebrate in limited color and flavors. India is a territory of colorful celebrations and humid hospitality. It is the land of spices and gastronomical delights that come as a savory surprise - hot and spicy. A land where Buddha preached, where Mahatma was born and where religion and traditional beliefs govern the masses.
I’ve now been in India for almost three months. It’s always been a preferred country of excavation, a place that’s always been very good for the ‘WOW’ factor, always full of surprises. Even in the centre of the cities you can see people on the streets that looked like they’ve just walked out of the Old evidence or immediately come down from the hills of the North West leading edge. I was last here nine years ago and my first visit was in 1999, and what is really amazing is how little has changed over that time.
Intermingle with the cultural communities; celebrate in limited color and flavors. India is a territory of colorful celebrations and humid hospitality. It is the land of spices and gastronomical delights that come as a savory surprise - hot and spicy. A land where Buddha preached, where Mahatma was born and where religion and traditional beliefs govern the masses.
I’ve now been in India for almost three months. It’s always been a preferred country of excavation, a place that’s always been very good for the ‘WOW’ factor, always full of surprises. Even in the centre of the cities you can see people on the streets that looked like they’ve just walked out of the Old evidence or immediately come down from the hills of the North West leading edge. I was last here nine years ago and my first visit was in 1999, and what is really amazing is how little has changed over that time.
Monday, December 8, 2008
PATA offers Support to India Travel Sector
Mrs Antonson wrote: On behalf of the Directors, staff and members of the Pacific Asia Travel Association I extend to you our very sincere condolences for the appalling loss of life in Mumbai. I would also like to extend, through your offices, our sympathies to the friends and families of those killed and injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this very distressing time. I know you have much to consider in the wake of these attacks but I just wanted to reassure you that PATA is ready, willing and able to offer knowledge, support and expertise to your travel and tourism industry colleagues.
If there is any way that we can help your industry in such areas as crisis management and online communications I know that our full-time staff and our members will join hands willingly to provide the support you need.
With the memories of our very successful PATA Travel Mart in Hyderabad still so fresh in all our minds we can only wish you well as you seek to recover and rebuild. Once again please accept our deepest sympathies.
If there is any way that we can help your industry in such areas as crisis management and online communications I know that our full-time staff and our members will join hands willingly to provide the support you need.
With the memories of our very successful PATA Travel Mart in Hyderabad still so fresh in all our minds we can only wish you well as you seek to recover and rebuild. Once again please accept our deepest sympathies.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Domestic tourism goes for a toss following Mumbai carnage
Though the whole nation stands shell-shocked after the Mumbai carnage, its after effects too would be no less distressing. The domestic tourism industry has already been pushed to the brink with major western countries issuing travel advisories asking their nationals to avoid traveling to India. And with Christmas and New Year season just around the corner, hoteliers across the country are now keeping their fingers crossed. Himachal Pradesh has even more reasons to worry with tourism as its major economic activity.
HimVani spoke to few hoteliers in the state, who, of course are a worried lot now. Renu Baljees, a hotelier in Shimla, said, “We will see less tourists traveling from Maharashtra during the New Year period. But it will not affect people traveling from Delhi and other North Indian cities.” Another hotelier, Mr. Pathania, echoed the same sentiments saying tourist arrival from Mumbai would certainly dip this season.
HimVani spoke to few hoteliers in the state, who, of course are a worried lot now. Renu Baljees, a hotelier in Shimla, said, “We will see less tourists traveling from Maharashtra during the New Year period. But it will not affect people traveling from Delhi and other North Indian cities.” Another hotelier, Mr. Pathania, echoed the same sentiments saying tourist arrival from Mumbai would certainly dip this season.
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