eTN Asia, 10-17-2006
The rising toll of chikungunya cases is casting a shadow over Kerala’s tourism industry, which is again expecting a record number of domestic and international arrivals.
Kerala tourism recorded a 36 percent increase of foreign tourist arrivals until June this year, compared to the same period in 2005.
"We are sending a newsletter to travelers, travel agents and tour operators to ally any anxiety about health fears," said B Suman, Kerala tourism director.
Added Sudheesh, secretary of the Kerala Hotel & Restaurant Association, "We have received cancellations specifically on account of deaths from chikungunya."
Malaysia, meanwhile, which receives a large number of foreign workers from Kerala, has issued a travel advisory against visiting Indian states affected by the chikungunya and dengue outbreaks.
As of Sunday, India's National Vector Borne Disease Control Center confirmed that the dengue death toll has crossed 100 nationwide, with over 5,000 affected.
"The number of dengue and chikungunya deaths has decreased due to sanitation drives and awareness campaigns," said Shakti Gupta from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
Said Nigel, a tourist from the UK, "We are using a lot of mosquito repellants, creams and lotions. I had a few mosquito bites, but nothing serious before seeking medical help."
Meanwhile, despite 21 confirmed cases of chikungunya deaths in New Delhi, hotel rooms have been fully booked until March next year. "Tariffs have shot up with the growing demand, while rooms rates have almost doubled," said Akhil Mathur from Le Meridian.
Said Anit Sarin, executive director of the Anantraj Group which is building nine budget hotels, "Five-star hotels have increased their rates two and a half times in the past 18 months, forcing budget hotels to increase their rooms rates to near five-star levels."
