Tourism Industry Fears Losing Delhi, Agra, Jaipur To Rising Air Pollution

New Delhi: The Delhi tourism industry fears losing the Golden Triangle of Delhi-Agra-Jaipur from the list of 'must-see' places if the air quality in the capital does not improve soon. The industry gears up for business with the onset of winter. However, the alarming air pollution levels in the capital this year have resulted into a fall in the number of tourists, especially from foreign countries.

Olga Smirnova from Russia said that she was disappointed to see Delhi's famous monuments, not because they were not impressive but because she could hardly see them, given the heavy smog.

Ms Smirnova arrived in the capital from Rajasthan on Diwali, following which the capital was shrouded in smog.

"Everywhere they were bursting crackers. The next day the whole city was cloudy," Ms Smirnova said.

The hit taken by the tourism industry this year has become most evident on the Delhi government's Hop-on-Hop-off bus service for tourists.

Surbhi Duttarya, an intern working as a tour guide with the Hop-on-Hop-off buses said that they've seen a fall in the number of tourists over the last week.

Ms Duttarya said that last week, even though some tourists got on to the buses, they chose not to get off into the polluted air. They preferred sightseeing from their bus-seats.

Prianka Sihota, the owner of a tour company called 'The Delhi Way' that takes people on guided tours of Chandni Chowk, Qutub Minar and other markets, said that business has been hit hard.

"Many people are calling us and inquiring about the weather and pollution. They are hesitant to book any tours," Ms Sihota said.

While the last season saw several tours being taken out every day, they are now down to only a few tours a week with multiple booking cancellations, postponements, and even requests for more indoor activities.