The strained diplomatic ties between India and Canada are a major cause for concern for the hospitality sector in the State, especially ahead of the tourism season. Kerala receives around 25,000 to 30,000 Canadian tourists every year. In the latest development, the Indo-Canadian relationship has hit a new low with both countries issuing travel advisories urging their citizens to ‘exercise utmost caution’ while travelling to some regions in the other country.
For Kerala, Canada is one of the top 10 countries to contribute to foreign tourist arrivals in the State, according to the data available with the Tourism department. “The response from the foreign tourists has been good this year ahead of the tourism season which begins in October-November. Last year, there was massive cancellations after the delay in solving the e-visa issue with the U.K. The issue was sorted out only during the fag end of the season. By that time, the hospitality sector had lost substantial business,” said George Scaria, Managing Director, Keralavoyages India Pvt. Ltd.
