Global tensions hit MP tourism:10,000 travellers halt Middle East trips, ₹60 crore trade impacted

The growing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Europe are now starting to affect the tourism sector in Madhya Pradesh. Bookings of travellers going to Dubai and nearby countries have been impacted on a large scale. According to Richa Singh Bhadauria, Bhopal location head of MakeMyTrip, around 10,000 people from the state were expected to travel to the Middle East this season, but due to the current situation many have put their plans on hold. 2,000–2,500 bookings directly affected Richa Singh Bhadauria says around 2,000 to 2,500 travellers had already booked flights and travel packages in advance, and these bookings are directly affected. Meanwhile, nearly 7,000 to 8,000 potential travellers either do not make new bookings or withdraw their enquiries after reviewing the situation. According to her, travel has not completely stopped at the moment, but there is a clear slowdown in international tourism. Business worth about 60 crores stalled The average travel package for the Middle East ranges between ₹60,000 and ₹70,000 per person. If an average of ₹60,000 and an estimate of 10,000 travellers are considered, the potential travel business affected is around ₹60 crore. However, the entire amount is not lost in all cases, as many airlines are offering refund or credit shell options. 60-70% travelers get full refund, partial loss According to feedback from the travel industry, about 60 to 70 percent of travellers among the affected bookings receive a full refund. This happens in cases where airlines themselves cancel or reschedule flights. Around 15 to 25 percent travellers face partial losses, mainly due to visa fees, hotel cancellation policies or non-refundable bookings. Many travellers also choose future travel credit or credit shells instead of refunds. More cancellations from Bhopal and Indore District-wise accurate data is not publicly available because bookings are made through different airlines, online travel agencies and travel agents. However, according to the experience of the travel trade, international leisure travel is higher from Bhopal and Indore, so the impact of cancellations is also seen more from these cities. Jabalpur and Gwalior are also affected, but across the state the situation is currently described as a slowdown rather than a complete halt. 30–40% drop in cruise travel International cruise travel is also affected. Normally cruise bookings are planned well in advance, but due to global uncertainty there is a temporary drop of around 30 to 40 percent this season. Travellers currently prefer postponing their cruise trips to a later date instead of cancelling them completely. The current situation has affected the leisure travel segment the most. This includes family holidays, honeymoon trips and group tours. In comparison, corporate travel remains relatively stable, as business meetings and work-related travel cannot always be postponed completely. Airlines offering flexible options Considering the current situation, many airlines are trying to provide flexibility to travellers. Some airlines are extending the validity of credit shells, while in many cases travellers are being given the option to rebook for a future date without additional charges. The travel industry’s focus at present is on maintaining travellers’ confidence and enabling them to travel at a safer time. If stress continues for long, slowdown may increase According to the travel industry, the current situation is not like the COVID period because flights are operating and travel has not completely stopped. However, if geopolitical tensions continue for the next two to three months, travellers’ confidence may be temporarily affected and international tourism could see a further decline. The travel sector believes that as soon as global conditions stabilise, travel demand may return quickly. People shifting towards domestic tourism Amid uncertainty in the Middle East and Europe, many travellers are now giving priority to domestic tourism. According to travel agencies, enquiries for destinations such as Himachal, Goa, Kerala and Rajasthan have increased in the last few days. Many families who were earlier planning trips to Dubai or Europe are now exploring domestic travel options. As an alternative to the Middle East, travellers are also showing growing interest in South-East Asia. According to travel agencies, enquiries for countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Maldives have started increasing. Because of easier visa processes and a relatively safer environment, travellers are considering these countries as alternatives. What is the controversy