Terrorist attack in U.S. hits tourism trade

By S. Anil Radhakrishnan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, SEPT. 21. Cancellation requests have started pouring in from U.S tourists in the wake of the terrorist attacks in that country, setting off alarm in the trade and tourism industry in the State, which had been looking forward to a good season this year.

The withdrawal of flights by US-based airlines, panic sparked by the attacks, the risks involved in flying to the Asian region as military action is imminent in Afghanistan and the hike in the premia of travel insurance are cited to be the reasons for the cancellations.

Says an tour operator, "We were expecting an increase in tourist arrivals from the U.S. They spend 100 per cent more than a European tourist and stay longer in tourist spots. In a crisis situation like the present, US tourists can be expected to give the least priority for pleasure travel. We do not know what will happen after December".

Out of the 4,500-odd rooms available for accommodation in the State in the heritage, one star to five star categories as per last year's data, half the number are likely to remain unoccupied this season, hospitality industry sources say.

Com-India, an Indo-German venture to promote tourism between the two countries, with an office in the State capital, has already received cancellation requests in the range of 37 to 44 per cent. In the north, the cancellations have touched 50 per cent, according to its managing director, Mr. V. K. Soman.

A hotel belonging to a leading group has received cancellations for over 12O rooms during the last couple of days. The visit of a Brazilian delegation has also been cancelled citing the developments.

Kerala Travels, a city-based tour operator, which had started focussing on the U.S market recently, reported large-scale cancellations after the September 11 incident. Kerala Travels Interserve has also decided to postpone the October 17 inauguration of its U.S office at Manhattan.

Ashatamudi resorts, located near Kollam, has received cancellation requests from German and Swiss tourists for 24 rooms booked by them for Ayurvedic treatment for 14 days.

The Casino Group, which has resorts in Central Kerala, has already received cancellations from US tourists for the bookings in October and November. The resort authorities estimate loss of over Rs. 10 lakhs due to this.

Says the managing director of Ashtamudi Resorts, Mr. G. Venunath, "One guest who had booked months in advance from Germany returned from Kuwait on September 12 without arriving here. We are on a sticky wicket as we have already spent money making arrangements for the tourists".

The arrival of tourists from Europe is also in doubt as many from Europe would not take the risk of over-flying Iraq to come here, trade sources say. Troubles in neighbouring Sri Lanka, such as the recent LTTE attack in the Colombo airport and the subsequent cancellation of the flights of Sri Lankan Airways would also affect the arrival of foreign tourists to Kerala.

The Tourism Minister, Prof. K. V. Thomas has gone on record already that the U.S incidents will badly affect the foreign tourist arrivals and that the State will have to focus its attention on attracting domestic tourists this season.

In the wake of the changed scenario, the Kerala Tourism authorities has already written to Director General of Tourism to change the focus of the campaign to the Gulf countries and South East Asia. The Department has urged the Union authorities to organise campaigns and presentations in adjoining Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

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Section  : Southern States
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