Nepal earthquake starts hitting tourism in Indian Himalayan destinations

SILIGURI: Following Saturday's devastating earthquake in Nepal that has left over 3,700 dead and thousands injured, the western world has started issuing travel advisories to its citizens, urging them to restrict movement in Nepal and adjoining areas in India, a development that is bound to affect tourism not only in Nepal but the entire Himalayan region, including Bhutan, Darjeeling, Sikkim, NE India and Sikkim.

“The FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) advises against all but essential travel to Nepal,” says the latest travel advice issued by the UK.

The travel alert issued by the US department says, “The possibility of aftershocks of significant magnitude persists. The Department of State alerts US citizens of the risks of travel to Nepal.”

Australia has also put out an advisory. “We advise Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Nepal while relief and recovery efforts are underway. Aftershocks are still occurring and may continue for weeks.”

“These travel advisories will influence the inflow of tourists to Nepal and adjoining Bhutan and all Indian Himalayan destinations, including Sikkim, Darjeeling or Assam during the summer season. The season, that contributes around 60% to my annual business, has just begun and will reach its peak by May 15,” said Partha Guha, Secretary of the Eastern Himalayan Tour and Travel Operator’s Association of India.

The entire Himalayan region receives over 11 lakh footprints from the Indian continent alone and around 2.5 lakh from outside every year. “At least 30% of them prefer tagging up Nepal, Bhutan and other Indian Himalayan destinations to optimize time, convenience and expense. Thus, now with Nepal under a cloud, flow of tourists to Indian destinations has also become uncertain,” said veteran travel advisor Raj Basu.