Modi asks Indians to stay home; travel sector braces for slump

India’s travel industry is bracing for a drop in new bookings after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to avoid unnecessary foreign travel, industry groups and analysts say. The call for restraint comes at a time when the outbound tourism sector is already under pressure. Summer overseas inquiries have fallen by as much as 15 per cent due to inflation, according to industry estimates. The peak season for Indian outbound travel runs from April to June, when wealthy families typically visit cooler destinations in Europe and Australia. “The prime minister has a great following, and his words will influence many,” said one industry representative, who asked not to be named. The sector now fears that the appeal will further reduce demand during its busiest months.