New Delhi:
It's proving difficult to contain swine flu. Four new cases have been confirmed in Delhi, 3 in Bangalore and one more in Hyderabad. The patients came from Singapore, Washington, Chicago and Canada. There are now, 9 confirmed cases in Delhi and 43 across India.
Vimal Vimal Khurana, a businessman, was set to fly to Hong Kong this Friday with his family for a vacation,but cancelled his plans at the last minute.
''We go abroad twice a year, generally to Europe and South-East Asia. But since swine flu is spreading so fast, we got our trip cancelled,'' says Vimal Khurana.
Across India, foreign travel bookings have dipped by 5 per cent to 10 per cent over the last week. Foreign travel bookings dipped by 5 per cent to 10 per cent.
Specially to the United States that receives the highest number of Indian students.
"I would like to request young people, from educational institutions going abroad, that they can suspend their visits for the time being," the Health Minister had said.
''The enquiries have reduced a bit. After the minister's warning more people are hesitant to travel to US. Some clients have even decided to change their destination,'' says Samina Munshi, a Travel Agency owner.
With a number of fresh cases rising every day Indian travellers are looking to avoid international destinations. The only respite for the travel industry is that the health ministry's warning came after the holiday season is almost over.