By IANS,
Kolkata : Tour operators in eastern India have warned that the abduction of two Italian nationals by Maoists in Odisha will have an adverse impact on the inflow of foreign tourists in the region.
“Yes, it will have an adverse impact on the inflow of foreign tourists in India, especially in the eastern region. The government should take steps to stop such kind of incidents, or else the tourism industry will face problems,” said Anil Punjabi, Chairman of the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI)’s eastern chapter.
“It is surely going to have an impact on the foreign tourists visiting this part of the country because what the tourists want is safety and peace. If they feel there is a lack of safety in a certain spot, then they will avoid that place,” said Suresh Ray, a tour operator.
However another tour operator felt that the incident will not impact the inflow of foreign tourist but added that government should take necessary steps to avoid such incidents.
“I don’t think it will have an impact because it is an isolated incident. But I think that the government should take necessary steps so that such incidents can be avoided,” said Samrat Sanyal, a tour operator.
The two Italians, Bosusco Paolo and Claudio Colangelo had gone along with two Indians, Santosh Moharana and Kartika Parida, both residents of Puri, to Kandhamal district March 12 on a four-day trekking trip.
On March 14 morning, about six to seven people came with guns when they were sitting near a rivulet. The rebels took the four to the forest after tying their hands and covering their eyes with a cloth.
The rebels released Kartik and Santosh March 16 but kept the Italians hostage.