Buddhist circuit will lose tourists

Experts worry that Japan's tsunami and earthquake will affect Indian tourism too

The massive earthquake and deadly tsunami that struck Japan on Friday will have an impact in India, as the Buddhist circuit in the country -- popular among Japanese tourists -- will see a drop in number of visitors, experts predict.

An epidemic that usually follows a natural calamity will be another cause for a dip in tourism in coming months, they say. Speaking to Sunday MiD DAY, Iqbal Mulla, treasurer, Travel Agents Association Of India said, the Global Vipassana Pagoda that was built two years ago in Gorai and had been drawing Japanese tourists recently, will be one of the first to take the hit.

"We are expecting a major drop in the number of Japanese tourists due to the calamity which has struck the country," he said. Mulla expressed concern over a ripple effect on other tourist arrivals on account of epidemics that normally follow natural calamities. "We hope no epidemic spreads in Japan. Its impact will be felt world-over. Tourists in other countries will not risk travelling in such times," he said.

The numbers of tourists may drop by almost 25 per cent, Mulla predicted and anticipates cancellations within the coming week. The Buddhist circuit is made up of places that were significant to Gautam Buddha's life, including Lumbini in Nepal, where Gautam Buddha was born, Bodh Gaya in Bihar, where he attained enlightenment, Sarnath, where he gave the first sermons, and Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh, where he attained Parinirvana.

"We are worried that low budget groups that travel to India during this season will not arrive on account of the calamity," said Kamlesh Barot, president of Hotel and Restaurant Association.