Travel agents, hotels jittery over strike

Following strikes by airports' staff, travel agents are receiving huge orders for cancellations and postponements of travel plans, and hotels are worried about how they would explain the situation to guests.

"We are getting numerous cancellations and postponement requests, more in case of domestic than international travel," said Subhash Goyal, president of Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and chairman of Stic Travels.

As per industry estimates, connectivity to Kolkata is quite bad and agents are seeing about 80 per cent cancellations. Delhi and Mumbai are said to be slightly better with about 50 per cent postponements and 30 per cent cancellations.

In case of international traffic, ex-Delhi/Mumbai had been hit and about 20 per cent had sought postponement, said Goyal.

Industry players are concerned about the impact these strikes, traffic disruption and a lack of basic amenities at airports will have on India's image as a travel destination.

"Policemen are running our airports. Travellers do not know when they can get out of a metro. What's so Incredible about this India," said a top travel agent, taking a dig on the "Incredible India" campaign.

Industry seconds authorities' advise to passengers to travel light and arrive early for flights.

Hotels, too, are facing their share of woes. At most hotels in metros, staff is struggling to satisfy queries from their guests or from outstation. While hotels are not reporting any cancellations at the moment, the next 24-hour are said to be crucial, says a senior official with Taj Group.

With another day before the Defence Expo ends, Delhi properties are seeing a full-house.

"Today was a fine day. We were full-house and bookings for the whole week are also good. But queries are now pouring in from outstation guests to check if they can touch base in Delhi. Challenge now is the next 24 hours," said Deepak Haksar, general manager, ITC Maurya Sherton-Delhi.

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Grounded

80% of Kolkata-bound passengers have sought cancellations

In Delhi and Mumbai there have been 50% postponements and 30% cancellations

In case of international traffic, ex-Delhi/Mumbai about 20% have sought postponement