Tour operators fear cancellations as Hong Kong protests linger

While cancellations have been few, fresh bookings have slowed down, they say

Tour operators are bracing for cancellations of bookings, as there has been no letup in the pro-democracy protests by students in Hong Kong. While cancellations have been few, fresh bookings have slowed down, say tour operators.

"Customers are not looking to travel to Hong Kong for the time being," said Guldeep Singh Sahni, president of the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India.  "The protests will affect leisure travel to Hong Kong," said Pradip Lulla, general secretary of Travel Agents Federation of India.

Hong Kong is already seeing an impact in tourist arrivals from China and group tours have been suspended.  According to a Wall Street Journal report, China National Tourism Administration issued a notice to travel agencies on Monday, advising them to stop organising Hong Kong-bound tours until further notice. Western governments have issued advisories to their citizens to exercise caution and avoid visiting affected areas.

A Hong Kong Tourism Board spokesperson said, "Currently, only some areas, including Admiralty, Central, Causeway Bay and Mong Kok are affected. Operation and business in other areas remain normal. We have been closely monitoring the development of the movement. We advise visitors to avoid going to these affected areas for the time being unless necessary."

Last year over 4.3 lakh Indian tourists visited Hong Kong, a growth of 5 percent over 2012. Overall it received 54.3 million tourists with India, Russia and Vietnam markets showing growth.