Tourists shun Varanasi after Mumbai attacks

Varanasi, Dec 25 (ANI): Foreign tourists, who used to come in large numbers to Varanasi during the New Year festive season, have opted out after Mumbai terror attacks.

Inspite of high security, tourists have shifted their itinerary plans from Varanasi to some other places.

Pradeep Biswal, General Manager of a five star hotel in Varanasi said that the Mumbai terror attacks have caused a sharp decline in tourist arrivals.

"Varanasi is a destination where tourists do not come directly. They mostly come after visiting New Delhi. Occupancy rates have dropped by 55-60 percent if we compare it with last year," he added.

The tour operators said that their business was already affected by the global meltdown and the situation has been further aggravated by the Mumbai attacks.

People often refer to Varanasi as "the city of temples" and "the religious capital". By Girish Dubey (ANI)