Countries tone down travel advisories, India hopes for tourism revival

The softening of the travel warnings is a welcome sign for the Indian tourism industry, which has already been experiencing a downturn because of the global economic meltdown. The month of October had seen a sharp decline in the growth of foreign tourist arrivals as compared to the same month in the previous years. Fears are being expressed that India might lose 10-15 per cent of its expected tourists in the coming months because of the Mumbai terror attacks.

The current advisories by these countries inform their citizens about the heightened security concerns in India and urge them to exercise caution while traveling in India but do not advise against visiting the country.

In its latest travel alert for India, the US has advised its nationals that in view of the fact that American citizens were among specific targets of the terrorists, there was need to keep a low profile and maintain a high level of vigilance.

“The Department of State advises Americans planning to travel to Mumbai in the aftermath of the November 26 terrorist attacks to recognise that it may be some time before all public infrastructure and services return to normal. Emotions are running high and there are possibilities of demonstrations that could turn violent,” the advisory said.

“Prudent security measures include maintaining a high level of vigilance, avoiding crowds and demonstrations and keeping a low profile by not calling attention to one’s nationality. Americans throughout India should be vigilant about security at all times,” it said.

Such advisories are not binding on travelers but are a significant factor in their decision to undertake a trip. In fact, India has been urging the developed countries to use these advisories more judiciously and not issue warnings after every terrorist act or isolated incidents of crime as these have an adverse impact on the tourism industry of the destination country.

The latest advisory from the British Government acknowledges the fact that the situation in Mumbai was improving. “Following the terrorist attacks between 26 and 30 November, Mumbai is returning to a degree of normality. You should, however, exercise caution around large public gatherings,” the advisory said.

Canada has also taken the same line and removed its regional warning for Mumbai. “Following these attacks, Mumbai is beginning to return to a semblance of normality. However, the recent acts of terror throughout India, and in Mumbai in particular, highlight the need for Canadians residing in or travelling to India to exercise a high degree of caution at all times,” it said.

Australia, which had asked its citizens not to travel to Mumbai in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, is now advising them only to “reconsider” their need to travel to India. “If you do decide to travel to India, you should exercise extreme caution,” it says.

However, New Zealand continues to warn its nationals against taking any non-essential travel to Mumbai. “There is a high risk to your security in Mumbai due to the threat from terrorism and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel at this time.”

The revised warnings

* The US has advised its nationals that in view of the fact that American citizens were among specific targets of the terrorists in Mumbai, there is need to keep a low profile and maintain a high level of vigilance.

* The latest advisory from the UK Government acknowledges the fact that the situation in Mumbai is improving. “Following the terrorist attacks, Mumbai is returning to a degree of normality. You should, however, exercise caution around public gatherings,” the advisory says.

* Canada has removed its regional warning for Mumbai. “Following these attacks, Mumbai is beginning to return to a semblance of normality. However, Canadians residing in or travelling to India need to exercise a high degree of caution.”

* From “don’t visit India”, Australia is now asking its nationals to “reconsider” their decision. “If you do decide to travel to India, you should exercise extreme caution.”