West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK : The growing tension between India and Pakistan has begun to cast a shadow on the tourism industry, with travel operators in West Bengal reporting a sharp decline in bookings and a wave of sudden cancellations from tourists. As uncertainty looms, many in the state's tourism sector are now left grappling with losses, concerns over safety, and a bleak outlook for the upcoming holiday season.

Tour operators from Kolkata, Darjeeling, and other popular travel hubs in the state say that the atmosphere of fear has prompted many travellers—both domestic and international—to back out of their plans. Notably, this includes tourists who had confirmed bookings for the summer season, a time traditionally considered peak for the industry

What has left many tour agencies surprised is not just the volume of cancellations, but the manner in which they are happening. Several travel firms report that tourists are withdrawing bookings without even requesting refunds. “It’s as if people are just too nervous to even wait for the process. We are receiving one-line emails saying ‘Please cancel. No refund needed.’ That kind of panic affects not just us but the confidence in the industry as a whole,” said a senior official at a well-known Kolkata-based travel agency.

Others in the industry echo the same sentiment. From inbound tours from Delhi and Mumbai to international travellers planning to visit Sikkim and Bhutan via West Bengal, operators say the numbers are falling fast. For small agencies, which depend on seasonal peaks, this could mean the difference between survival and shutdown

Many tour companies have also stopped taking new bookings altogether, unsure whether planned itineraries will be safe or even operational in the coming weeks. “We cannot assure travellers of uninterrupted trips when the situation is so fluid. We’re avoiding new commitments to avoid future disputes,” said a Darjeeling-based operator who organizes treks and cultural tours.

Hotels and homestays in the region, especially in north Bengal, are also feeling the pinch. Advanced bookings that typically start around late April have dwindled. Operators note that while the hills have not seen any direct impact, the psychological toll of a national security situation is enough to deter tourists from making plans

With no clear timeline for the de-escalation of tensions, travel bodies are urging both state and central governments to consider support measures for the industry. “The pandemic already crippled our businesses, and just as we were recovering, this fresh wave of uncertainty has thrown us off balance again,” said a member of a regional travel association in Siliguri.

They are seeking subsidies, deferment of taxes, and clearer communication to the public on safety and travel advisories. The aim, many say, is to prevent a full-scale collapse of the sector, which employs thousands across Bengal directly and indirectly.

While some larger operators with pan-India networks may be able to absorb the shock, smaller, family-run businesses in tourist towns and rural areas are expected to bear the brunt if the situation doesn’t improve soon.