The cancellation of GoAir (Go First) flights has had a significant impact on tourism in Ladakh as thousands of hotel bookings have been cancelled or postponed. With GoAir (Go First) being one of the major airlines connecting Ladakh to other parts of India, the sudden cancellation of their flights has disrupted travel plans for many tourists.
Ladakh, known for its breathtaking landscapes and unique cultural heritage, attracts a large number of tourists each year. However, the limited accessibility to the region makes air travel crucial for most visitors. GoAir’s flight cancellations have resulted in fewer flight options, increased ticket prices, and difficulties in securing alternate arrangements.
While some tourists managed to book other flights at higher airfare, many other cancelled their tour plans. The increased flight ticket cost due to the monopoly of the other airlines, middle-class tourists are not able to afford their tours to Ladakh. A ticket is costing Rs 15,000 to 30,000 from Delhi to Leh (one way).
The tourists were searching for alternate ways to reach Ladakh i.e. road journey. But, the Manali-Leh highway is taking too much time in opening for tourists. On the other side, Srinagar-Leh road is blocking again and again. The road is not fully functional and is open for one-way traffic with strict timing system. The tourists are clueless about what they should do now.
Tourists who had booked their trips well in advance have been left disappointed and frustrated. Many have had to cancel or postpone their plans altogether due to the lack of reliable flight options. This not only affects the tourists but also has a ripple effect on the local economy, as businesses that rely on tourism suffer from reduced footfall and revenue.
Moreover, the cancellation of GoAir (Go First) flights has also impacted the reputation of Ladakh as a tourist destination. Travelers who have faced inconvenience due to flight cancellations may be hesitant to plan future visits to the region. This can lead to a decline in tourist arrivals and a negative perception of Ladakh’s accessibility.
To mitigate the impact, efforts have been made to improve connectivity by other airlines and explore alternative transportation options. However, it takes time to establish reliable alternatives and regain tourists’ trust in the accessibility of Ladakh.
The tourism association bodies urged the local MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal (JTN) and officials to help them in mitigating this problem. They requested that more flights should conduct sorties to Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpochhe Airport to bring down the airfare. They also urged Border Roads Organisation to reopend both Leh-Manali and Leh-Srinagar roads as soon as possible.
In conclusion, the cancellation of GoAir (Go First) flights has had a detrimental effect on Ladakh’s tourism industry. The inconvenience caused to tourists, reduced accessibility, and negative impact on the local economy highlight the need for reliable and diverse transportation options to ensure the steady growth of tourism in the region.
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