Click to play videoNew Delhi: Nakul Singhal was looking forward to a reunion with his friends in Pune, but the H1N1 flu scare has played havoc with his travel plans. With as many as five deaths reported from the city, Nakul feels its safer to stay put in Delhi.
"I have cancelled my trip to Pune. The media reports of all the deaths there in such little time has scared me," says he.
Not just Nakul, many others across the country have been postponing their travel after the sharp increase in swine flu cases.
- The travel industry has seen cancellations to the tune of 70-80 per cent in travel to Pune after the first swine flu death was reported from the city.
- Other flu affected areas in India have seen 15-20 per cent cancellations in bookings.
- Infact travel agents expect another 15-20 per cent cancellations during the Independence Day weekend.
- International travel however, has remained relatively immune to the flu with only 7-10 per cent cancellations.
Nevertheless, those travelling abroad are being cautious.
Managing Committee Member Travel Agents Association of India, Sanjay Datta says, "Travellers are now getting conscious when they are travelling abroad. More and more opting for medical insurance. They want to play it safe."
The travel sector which is already struggling to make ends meet due to the economic slowdown, is now grappling with another reality - the H1N1 virus. And as the death toll increases by the day it will be some time before many start travelling again.
(With inputs from Varun Kumar in New Delhi)
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