Five countries – the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand – have asked their citizens to exercise caution when travelling to India because of a threat of terrorist attacks during the festive season. An Indian TV channel reported that the Indian government had not welcomed the travel advisory and the move was likely to see some resistance from New Delhi. The announcement has created panic among tourists, and the Indian government fears an impact on its tourism industry. Around 10 to 15 percent bookings could possibly be cancelled if the travel warning is not withdrawn. Many foreign tourists, instead of coming to India, may opt for other destinations like Thailand, Sri Lanka and China. The inclusion of India in the “dangerous countries to visit” list has shocked New Delhi. “I have taken up this matter with the External Affairs ministry and asked it to persuade these countries to withdraw the travel advisories immediately,” Indian Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahay said.
