Kolkata, June 27 The Travel and Tourism Fair 2008 began at the Netaji Indoor Stadium on Friday. More than 100 tour operators and travel agents participated in the fair and around 3,000 travel buffs thronged the stalls on the first day. Compared to the last year there were fewer agents offering package tours to North Bengal. “The Hill unrest has badly affected the tourism industry. Tourists are apprehensive about visiting that area. Forty per cent of our revenue comes from North Bengal and Sikkim,” said joint secretary, Association of Tourism Service Providers of Bengal.
Egypt and Australia have emerged as the most favoured international destinations.
“Southeast Asia was always a popular travel spot for Kolkatans but this year Egypt, South Africa and Australia have been added to the list,” said an employee of a tourism company.
Cheaper fares have also prompted the Kolkatans to change their plans. “One can visit Southeast Asia at less than Rs 50,000. We are considering traveling out of India during the Puja holidays,” said AP Bardhan, a PSU employee.
