Tour operators incur loss amid Indo-Pak tension
1
2
Ranchi:
Tour operators
in Ranchi are grappling with significant losses in their businesses as travellers in the city are cancelling their trips to various popular summer destinations across India and abroad though a temporary ceasefire has been called between India and Pakistan following days of Operation Sindoor.The tour operators said the closure of most of the Indian airports due to the escalating tensions with Pakistan, has been a major reason behind the cancellations by the travellers.
While, the avoidance of Pakistan's airspace by international flights since the escalation of the situation has also contributed towards the cancellations.A Ranchi-based tour operator Mayank Vijayvargiya said that the ongoing situation has instilled a fear among the travellers, which also has resulted in the booking cancellations following heavy
financial losses
for us. "Since the situation between India and Pakistan worsened, at least 10 traveller groups have cancelled their scheduled trips to various destinations across India and abroad.
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Some of the trips were scheduled for May, the others in June and July. The cancellations have incurred losses of around Rs 5-10 lakh till now," Mayank added.As the tension between the two countries escalated on Wednesday with many airports being closed, travellers who were scheduled to catch connecting flights, had to cancel their trips, he added.Priyanshu Kumar, another tour operator, said, "Tour groups immediately cancelled their trips to various places including Shimla, Manali and Kashmir.
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One of my clients was about to go to Azerbaijan via Pakistan on Friday, but the flight got cancelled at the last moment. I had to incur a significant financial loss due to the cancellation. The rising air ticket prices have also deterred many travellers to cancel their trips at the last moment."Sailesh Agarwal, chairman of tourism division of Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries, said due to closure of airports, the tourism sector in Jharkhand incurred financial loss of approximately Rs 50 lakh. "Due to escalating tension, people are afraid of travelling and started cancelling their trips soon after airports were closed. Many people from the state were scheduled to visit Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and other countries. The travel sector faced a significant blow during last few days. However, we are hoping that as both the countries agreed to ceasefire, the situation will improve and businesses will also be restored," he added.
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