But travel agents, hoteliers expect twin effects to buoy up domestic tourism

As if the global slowdown was not enough, the swine flu is now set to choke the Indian hospitality industry as summer hastens arrival of the traditional holiday season.

The silver lining, though, lies in that both factors could also mean fewer Indians travelling abroad this summer, leading to more occupancy here, many resort and hotel owners say.

Agents acknowledge they have far fewer bookings compared to May last year but add that it’s too early to say whether that is a result of the swine flu outbreak in the West. But they admit a slowdown in bookings in the last three days. Experts say worldwide apprehension after the World Health Organisation raised the threat level from the disease could affect inflow of tourists flying into India.

According to information, hotel occupancy and tariff across Delhi and the NCR have dropped more than 20 per cent in the past few months.

Thomas C T, the spokesperson for SOTC, however, says global slowdown is the main reason for the relative slump in the hospitality industry this year. “There is also a dip in revenue on foreign tours because package prices are 15 to 20 per cent lower this year,” Thomas says. “Those who have not booked yet have adopted a wait and watch policy.”

Most tour operators expect bookings to pick up around mid-May as long as the swine flu does not spread further to the US.

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