12/26, 30 days have passed since India’s tryst with terrorists and ultimate survival. But has anything changed? None at all. We are still very vulnerable and politicians still indifferent. But all this has put a deep, dark blot on the image of Incredible India.
Come Christmas – New Year and entire world gears up to revel and the service providers rake the income and the week long revelry generates for them. But this year, nothing is the same! As if the global recession wasn’t enough to check consumer spending, Indian tourism has to bear the added brunt of 11/26 terrorist attacks on Mumbai, not withstanding the fact that such activities have become a daily norm!
Amidst the nightmare of the attacks and an imminent war with Pakistan, the Indian tourism industry is bearing an added brunt. Major tourist destinations like Goa, Rajasthan, Kerala and others have
faced an unprecedented number of cancellations over the past month. They aren’t attracting the crowd even from within the country, forget the international tourism. Hoteliers look back to the time when they had booking 2-3months in advance compared to today when they are sure that it ‘will be full’ by the 31st ,the extended holiday weekend not withstanding.
The loss caused in income is huge, after all the terrorists have indeed succeeded, with the havoc still looming in our minds. Added to the recession, guilt and awakening is the fear of being warned and
attacked in crowded places, People are instead opting for a cozy family do-s and prayers, what “If Tomorrow Never Comes”.
