The collective issuing of travel advisories by the USA, Great Britain, Canada and Israel warning against imminent terror attacks has cast a shadow over the industry’s overdue recovery.
Hoteliers who were caught unawares by the H1N1 flu, were looking forward to a positive winter as well as corporate contract season. While the effect of the doubt now cast will be felt across the industry, inbound tourist-centric regions such as Rajasthan, Goa and Kerala are on the frontline. Hotels in gateway cities too are reconsidering their occupancy forecasts.
“Occupancy dipped to 50% because of the H1N1. Until then, it was back up to 70%. Things are looking better, but it is a wait and watch,” said Dhiren Johar, resident manager, Ramada Plaza Palm Grove, Mumbai.
The travel advisories in questions were issued late last week and collective warned of terror attacks to commemorate the first anniversary of the November 26 attack in Mumbai as well as the festival season in general. Western countries regularly issue similar advisories for travel in India. However, this is the first time these countries have issued almost identical warnings at the same time.
