End to summer of discontent? Industry hopes for the best
Times of India | 11 May 2025
Kolkata: The ceasefire announcement by India and Pakistan on Saturday evening lifted the spirit of the travel industry, which was staring at a huge disruption to the busiest holiday season and mounting losses.While some witnessed an immediate uptick in queries about places one could travel to at short notice, others adopted a more cautious approach following reports of ceasefire violations along the border.Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) functionaries, who advised travellers to be cautious and put their travel plans on hold when tension escalated between India and Pakistan, expected tourism to bounce back with the resumption of talks between the two countries."The very moment the ceasefire was declared, we witnessed a surge of renewed interest from travellers. Bookings that were on hold are now being confirmed, and phones are ringing once again with inquiries from eager holidaymakers," said Anil Punjabi, member of the executive committee of TAFI. Punjabi termed the development a landmark moment of diplomacy and said the ceasefire brought an immense sense of relief and joy to all peace-loving individuals. "The tourism industry, which was under a cloud of uncertainty, wholeheartedly welcomes this development," he added.Tour operator Cox & Kings Director Karan Agarwal, who urged travellers to exercise caution and wait till the situation improved, said the ceasefire, if respected, would bring a renewed sense of hope and reassurance. Till then, he felt one needed to be cautious. "Understandably, people will take time to feel completely secure about travelling to certain regions, and rightly so. This is a moment to wait and watch as peace efforts continue. We're hopeful that as the situation progresses positively, the travel industry will gradually bounce back. Congratulations to our Armed Forces for their relentless efforts in safeguarding our borders; we remain deeply grateful and forever indebted to their service," he said.However, Travel Agents' Association of India executive committee member Manav Soni was optimistic that the ceasefire would lead to a revival of travel from Kolkata and elsewhere in India. "After days of uncertainty and disruption, the promise of peace has reignited interest in destinations that were previously off-limits due to conflict. Govts and local authorities have responded swiftly, ensuring the safety of citizens and visitors. Tour operators, hoteliers, and airlines are already reporting a surge in inquiries and bookings. Popular travel platforms have seen a significant uptick in searches for regions affected by the conflict, signalling a strong rebound in demand," he said.Soni also pointed to social media, which was abuzz with hopeful messages, photos of reopened attractions, and heartfelt stories from early visitors. "Overall, the ceasefire not only marks a step toward lasting peace but also breathes new life into the travel and tourism sector. It's a powerful reminder of how positive moves can pave the way for connection, cultural exchange, and shared prosperity," he added.Kolkata: The ceasefire announcement by India and Pakistan on Saturday evening lifted the spirit of the travel industry, which was staring at a huge disruption to the busiest holiday season and mounting losses. While some witnessed an immediate uptick in queries about places one could travel to at short notice, others adopted a more cautious approach following reports of ceasefire violations along the border.Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) functionaries, who advised travellers to be cautious and put their travel plans on hold when tension escalated between India and Pakistan, expected tourism to bounce back with the resumption of talks between the two countries."The very moment the ceasefire was declared, we witnessed a surge of renewed interest from travellers. Bookings that were on hold are now being confirmed, and phones are ringing once again with inquiries from eager holidaymakers," said Anil Punjabi, member of the executive committee of TAFI. Punjabi termed the development a landmark moment of diplomacy and said the ceasefire brought an immense sense of relief and joy to all peace-loving individuals. "The tourism industry, which was under a cloud of uncertainty, wholeheartedly welcomes this development," he added.Tour operator Cox & Kings Director Karan Agarwal, who urged travellers to exercise caution and wait till the situation improved, said the ceasefire, if respected, would bring a renewed sense of hope and reassurance. Till then, he felt one needed to be cautious. "Understandably, people will take time to feel completely secure about travelling to certain regions, and rightly so. This is a moment to wait and watch as peace efforts continue. We're hopeful that as the situation progresses positively, the travel industry will gradually bounce back. Congratulations to our Armed Forces for their relentless efforts in safeguarding our borders; we remain deeply grateful and forever indebted to their service," he said.However, Travel Agents' Association of India executive committee member Manav Soni was optimistic that the ceasefire would lead to a revival of travel from Kolkata and elsewhere in India. "After days of uncertainty and disruption, the promise of peace has reignited interest in destinations that were previously off-limits due to conflict. Govts and local authorities have responded swiftly, ensuring the safety of citizens and visitors. Tour operators, hoteliers, and airlines are already reporting a surge in inquiries and bookings. Popular travel platforms have seen a significant uptick in searches for regions affected by the conflict, signalling a strong rebound in demand," he said.Soni also pointed to social media, which was abuzz with hopeful messages, photos of reopened attractions, and heartfelt stories from early visitors. "Overall, the ceasefire not only marks a step toward lasting peace but also breathes new life into the travel and tourism sector. It's a powerful reminder of how positive moves can pave the way for connection, cultural exchange, and shared prosperity," he added.