Mumbai: It's vacation time again and just when one thought that the tourism sector was recovering from its slump, it's been hit by travel advisories on the dreaded swine flu.
The already bleeding tourism industry is now cringing from another painful attack. Experts estimate the Swine Flu scare to cost the tourism sector up to 30 per cent of its revenues. Airlines may also not be spared. Load factor on direct Indian Airlines flights to the US and Canada could fall 10-12 per cent.
President, TAFI, Pradeep Lulla said, “Leisure travel to be impacted the most, families travel to be deterred, business travel to not impact but may postpone.”
The US and Canada, which have taken the biggest hit from the economic downturn, have another problem at hand: Inbound travel to these countries is expected to drop 15-20 per cent, at a time when Hotels rates in the US are down almost 50 per cent. Industry experts say cancellations in travel plans are already being registered. But there is a silver lining for India.
Regional Head-Western India, Ministry of Tourism S Thakur said, “Cancellations for travel abroad may boost domestic travel. People will either visit other foreign locations or will visit exotic locations in India. I am looking forward to jump in domestic tourism.”
The Health Ministry is leaving no stone unturned. Starting Wednesday, all major airports in India will have health ministry counters, where foreign nationals will have to undergo preliminary testing. As many as 30 doctors will be deployed at all important airports.
However, experts say this will only add to the fear psychosis among passengers.
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