Swine flu scare seems to have gripped the Amdavadi public, so much so that many have decided to stay indoors to avoid risks of contracting the flu virus.
Swine flu scare seems to have gripped the Amdavadi public, so much so that many have decided to stay indoors to avoid risks of contracting the flu virus. The tour operators and travel agencies say they have noticed last-minute cancellation of tour plans by Amdavadis.
"A couple planning to visit China and a family of three which had booked tickets with us to visit Hong Kong have changed their travel plans at the very last moment," says Kedar Anilbhai Bomia, manager, Trans International travel agency.
An NRI couple who had booked their tickets well in advance and were to visit India soon have also put forward an enquiry with the travel agency about the situation in India after the outbreak of swine flu, said Bomia, fearing the situation could deteriorate in days to come.
In fact, the fear of swine flu has spread faster than the disease itself. "We had a booking by seven people to Pune - all of which have been cancelled because of the fear of contracting swine flu," said Sunil Chawla, owner, Riviera Tours and Travels.
People grew hesitant of travelling soon after the news of the pandemic spread. Vaishali Sheth, a teacher, said her holiday plans to Lonawala had to be shelved after the news of swine flu began arriving in.
Many Amdavadis have even postponed their trips abroad. "My husband and I were set to take a tour of Europe in late August but swine flu has made us change our plans," says Sheetal Khosla, a homemaker.
Other travellers are cancelling their tickets even if they are not too worried about catching swine flu.
"We were to visit our relatives in Pune but since our son is down with fever, we have decided not to. It has nothing to do with the fear of swine flu," says Janak Marfatia, a businessman.
Sanjeev Chajjer, vice president, Cox and Kings, however, does not agree that the flu menace has affected his company's business, not yet at least. "A long weekend holiday is a golden chance for people and we expect this to be the highest money making week for us.”
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