Four countries issue travel alerts

Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States of America have advised their citizens to exercise high degree of caution while traveling to Nepal, citing increase in strikes in the periphery of deadline for making constitution on January 22.

At a time when investment in tourism sector is increasing, travel trade entrepreneurs fear travel advisory issued by the major tourist generating countries might impact tourism industry in the long run. Ashok Pokharel, president of Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO), said that it is obvious for the countries to issue travel advisory in the current situation as no one can guarantee security. “Negative travel advisories leave bad impact. We have already started getting inquiries from travelers of different countries,” added Pokharel.

Issuing a travel advisory on January 15, Australia has recommended its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution in Nepal due to the uncertain political and security situation.

“Illegal roadblocks and enforced national or local strikes (bandas) can occur without notice and may continue for lengthy periods resulting in the closure of businesses, and vehicles not being allowed on the roads. At these times, access to the airport can be disrupted and taxis are not usually available,” the travel advice issued by Australia reads.

Canada has also advised its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution due to the fragile and volatile political and security situation following an intense period of unrest and armed conflict. Canada had issued the advisory in August.

Likewise, the United Kingdom, which updated its travel advisory on January 19, has said that there may be some sporadic vandalism and violence. It has asked its citizens to avoid crowds and protests, in particular around the government offices in Singha Durbar, the Constituent Assembly (CA) area in New Baneshwar and government college areas.

In its travel advisory, the United States has reminded its citizens that demonstrations in Nepal are unpredictable and can turn violent with little notice. It has advised its citizens to avoid large crowd and gatherings, use judgment and common sense while traveling and to be prepared for disruptions in transportation services. The US government has also suggested its citizens to monitor media coverage of local events for latest updates.

With the announcement of strikes, some tourists have already canceled room bookings. Binayak Shah, general secretary of Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN), said many big groups willing to visit Nepal have not finalized their booking for the upcoming months as they are in ‘wait and see’ mood. “Tourists from western countries avoid traveling when travel advisory is issued as insurance companies increase their premium for travel insurance. This leads to decline in number of tourists,” Shah added.

source: republica,22 jan 2015