The recent terror attacks in Bangalore and Ahmedabad is set to affect Indian Tourism.The Australian and Canadian governments on Tuesday asked their citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution” while choosing India as a destination because of the high risk of terrorist activity by militant groups. Both the countries are top tourist generating sources to India. In the travel advisory revised and reissued in the backdrop of the serial blasts, the Department of Foreign affairs and Trade of the Australian Government has asked its citizens to pay close attention to their personal security at all times.“Terrorist attacks can occur anywhere in India. In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. There is also a risk of attacks in commercial and public areas and at events and places known to be frequented by foreigners. These include prominent Government buildings, places of worship, markets and shopping malls, public transport networks, religious sites, pilgrimages and festivals and tourist sites,” the advisory said. “Recent attacks have included explosions at a market place, local courts, a cinema and local transport networks. These risks apply in all of India’s cities and tourist centres,” it added.Giving a detailed account of the terrorist attacks, the advisory says the tourists must avoid these places if they plan to visit India. It also has listed the bomb blasts in Jaipur last May that killed 60 people. The Government has also asked the citizens to be particularly vigilant in the lead up to and on days of national significance such as the Republic Day and Independence Day, as militants have used such occasions to mount attacks. Significantly, the recent Gurjjar protest has also found a place in the Australian Government’s travel advisory as a deterrent in choosing India as a destination. “People have died in violence associated with the protests. The protests to date have included blockades of rail and road links. Australians in India should be aware that travel, particularly in areas of Rajasthan, may be restricted,” it says. “Australians could be caught up in attacks directed at others,” it says. Canada has advised its citizens to exercise “high degree of caution” while on a visit to India. “In 2008, terrorism remains a threat throughout India,” it says. “Cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Varanasi may be placed on heightened alert by local authorities at short notice. An increased police presence and tighter security restrictions may be imposed,” it says listing out all the previous instances of terrorist attacks.
