War clouds hit Raj tourism as booking cancellations begin
1
2
Jaipur: The
Pahalgam terrorist attack
and Operation Sindoor have impacted the tourism industry where it hurts the most. Cancellations of bookings for the upcoming tourist season have already started, making the industry apprehensive of foreign tourists skipping the state, especially destinations in border areas.
It took almost four years to overcome the Covid impact on overseas travel movement, with
foreign tourist arrivals
crossing the levels of 2019 in 2024. However, the possibility of a military confrontation with Pak and the insecure atmosphere of the fallout increased uncertainty among tourists.
Surendra Singh Shahpura, senior vice president of Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan (FHTR), said, "Even a single skirmish often leads to weeks or months of 'avoid travel' advisories from embassies.
For luxury travellers from Europe, US, and Australia, Rajasthan is seen as a leisure destination. Any perception of war, even hundreds of kilometres away, triggers mass cancellations."
He mentioned that many tour operators are delaying bookings for the coming season. "Border towns like Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Barmer are geographically close to any
Indo-Pak conflict
escalation zone. These are not just military-sensitive zones but also tourism hubs."
Ranvijay Singh Rathore, senior vice president of Hotel Federation of Rajasthan (HFR), said tourism is not just seasonal; rather, it is sensitive to perception, peace, and political stability.
"The recent five-day Indo-Pak conflict erased an entire upcoming tourism season for several regions. Not just a few cancellations or reschedules, but a complete halt in forward bookings. It shook confidence and disrupted travel sentiment," he said, adding that while other industries may see gradual slowdowns during crises, tourism sees overnight collapses. "A negative news cycle or even a sensationalised media narrative can undo months of marketing efforts in a matter of hours," he said.
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Advt Advt Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis. Download ETTravelWorld App Get Realtime updates Save your favourite articles Scan to download App Himachal Pradesh Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday launched border tourism activities from Shipki La in tribal Kinnaur district along the Indo-Tibet-China border , stating that the state would now work towards opening the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route through the Indo-Tibet-China border."Now that we have opened this border point for tourism, our next focus will be on opening the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route from here. Mount Kailash is just 92 kilometres from this point," Sukhu said addressing a gathering at Namgya village, located near the high-altitude Shipki Pass, around 310 km from Chief Minister said discussions with the Central Government and necessary coordination with Chinese authorities would be required, but added, "If approvals come, this will become the most accessible and shortest route for the yatra from Indian territory."The Chief Minister recalled former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's visit to the Shipki Pass nearly six decades ago."She travelled here on horseback to spread the message of national unity. That spirit lives on as we reopen this site for tourism. Our next step must be to establish the Mansarovar Yatra route from here," he saidThe initiative marks a significant move to boost eco-tourism and livelihood opportunities in the high-altitude tribal belt. The region, which once functioned as a traditional Indo-Tibet trade route, had remained closed to tourism due to security and pandemic-related the decision, Indar Singh, a former Pradhan of Namgya, said: "I thank the state government for this historic decision. The opening of Shipki La will create employment for educated but jobless youth in the area. This will increase income, promote tourism, and help revive our economy."Singh recalled the historical significance of the region, noting that in 1968, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had travelled to the Shipki Pass on horseback, a moment etched in local memory."This pass was earlier open for trade with Tibet. We had a barter system under the Indo-China Trade Circuit, which was shut down during COVID. We want the government to consider now reopening the trade route as well," he Dolkar, a local woman, said the move would significantly help locals involved in tourism."This is a great step. It will benefit taxi drivers, villagers, and hotel operators. More tourists will mean more jobs," she local resident, Sarswati Negi, said, "This tourism opening will give opportunities to local youth who are unemployed. They can now start businesses. I also hope this helps us get access to the Mansarovar Yatra in the future. Roads need widening, and proper facilities like parking must be developed."Baldev Singh Negi, Pradhan of the Namgya Gram Panchayat, echoed the need for improved infrastructure."I thank CM Sukhu and Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi. Educated, unemployed youth will benefit. This region has trekking routes and an 800-year-old temple with a natural idol of Lama Ji. But roads are narrow and must be widened," he on the occasion, Tribal Development, Horticulture and Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi said the move held both strategic and emotional significance for the locals."Some limited trade was ongoing earlier, but it was halted during COVID. We are now working to develop infrastructure and explore possibilities of reviving trade as well," he state government has also acknowledged the need for other facilities. Locals have demanded a parking facility for at least 100 vehicles and better road access to the tourism move is expected to bring economic activity to the remote villages near the border, while also reinforcing India's civilian presence in a strategically sensitive area along the Line of Actual Control.
