By IANS,
New Delhi : The government has protested after after five countries – the US, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand – issued advisories against travel to India during the festive season, citing security reasons.
In the past as well, these countries have issued travel advisories citing the heightened terror threat during the festival season.
“Issuing of advisory from different countries is not new. In the past also they did this only to defame our country,” Minister of State for Tourism Sultan Ahmed told a TV channel.
“This is a matter affecting ministry of external affairs and home ministry also,” he said, adding that the matter would be taken up with the ministries.
The advisories have impacted the travel and hospitality industry. According to an estimate, hotels fears cancellations of around 10 to 15 percent of bookings if these advisories are not withdrawn.