Home » ASIA » India’s Durga Puja Travel Plans Face Uncertainty as Thailand-Cambodia Border Conflict Disrupts Bookings, Tourists Scramble for Safer, Reliable Alternatives
Published on July 26, 2025 |
India’s Durga Puja travel plans are hanging in the balance with the worsening dispute between Thailand and Cambodia derailing holiday plans of many a Kolkatan. NOW With airstrikes and artillery exchanges on the Thai Cambodian border, travelers are wondering whether it is safe to visit what have long been two highly desirable Southeast Asian countries. In reply, a determined lot of people are looking for safer and surefire alternatives, making them turn to domestic destinations in the country, as threat perception in the conflict zone increases.
The wars between Thailand and Cambodia have thrown awry travel plans for several Kolkatans, particularly those who were counting down days to their Durga Puja holidays. Reports of airstrikes and rocket fire between the two have raised fears about safety, leaving travelers unsure what to do about their trips to the popular tourist destination of Southeast Asia. Thailand and Cambodia have long been favored vacation spots for Kolkata’s travelers, but the recent surge in violence along their shared border has cast a shadow over the upcoming Durga Puja holiday season.
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A Hub for Southeast Asian Tourism: Kolkata’s Strong Connection with Thailand and Cambodia
Kolkata, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse population, has always been a hub for travelers looking to explore Southeast Asia. The allure of Thailand’s beaches, temples, and vibrant nightlife, alongside Cambodia’s Angkor Wat and serene landscapes, have made these destinations popular among Kolkata’s tourists. Statistics show that nearly 200,000 people from the city visited Thailand last year, with major tourist hotspots such as Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket drawing the largest crowds. On the other hand, Cambodia’s Phnom Penh and Siem Reap attracted approximately 50,000 visitors from Kolkata, with a combined share of 40-45% of the international tourism traffic originating from the city.
These numbers underscore the significance of Thailand and Cambodia as top travel destinations for the residents of Kolkata, making the current situation particularly concerning for the city’s tourism industry. With Durga Puja around the corner, a time when families traditionally plan vacations, the news of the conflict has sparked widespread anxiety among those who had booked their travel arrangements.
The Sudden Surge in Calls to Travel Agencies Amidst Growing Uncertainty
The travel agent offices in Kolkata have been inundated with inquiries from worried customers seeking clarity on the safety of traveling to Thailand and Cambodia. The situation has raised major concerns among potential travelers who were looking forward to spending their vacations abroad. Many have reached out to travel agencies asking whether it is safe to go ahead with their bookings or whether they should consider alternative destinations.
“What should we do? Is it still safe to travel to Thailand or Cambodia?” has been the most common query. The fear of getting caught up in the conflict has left tourists questioning their travel plans. The current volatility in the region has caused a ripple effect, particularly for those who had already booked their holidays, fearing the worst and wondering if their trips should be canceled altogether.
As travel agents have reported, many clients who had planned international vacations have now requested changes to their itineraries, asking to switch to domestic trips instead. “Though we went to Thailand before, we decided to go there again because it seemed like a safe bet. But now, even that option is no longer feasible. We are considering a domestic holiday this year instead,” said one concerned traveler from Gariahat.
The rising number of requests for cancellations and changes has kept travel agencies on high alert. Despite the ongoing unrest, numerous travel agencies have worked to calm their customers by emphasizing that the conflict is limited to isolated regions along the Thai-Cambodian border and does not impact well-known tourist spots. However, the growing apprehension of being caught in the conflict continues to worry many potential travelers.
Reassurance from Travel Operators: Optimism for Thailand and Cambodia’s Tourism Recovery
Despite the tense situation at the border, tourism operators are confident that the situation will stabilize soon. Many are urging their clients to refrain from making hasty decisions regarding their travel plans, advising that the ongoing conflict is not expected to impact the popular tourist regions of Thailand and Cambodia.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has swiftly issued statements addressing the growing concerns, reassuring travelers that the areas most affected by the conflict are far removed from major tourist destinations like Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh. The TAT emphasized that these regions remain peaceful and safe for tourists, assuring travelers that their visits will not be impacted by the hostilities at the border.
Given the importance of tourism to both Thailand and Cambodia’s economies, it is expected that both countries will work swiftly to restore stability and ensure the safety of international visitors. Tourism is a vital economic driver for these countries, and both governments have expressed a strong commitment to protecting the tourism industry from the ongoing conflict.
The Role of Tourism in Thailand and Cambodia’s Economic Landscape
Tourism plays a pivotal role in the economies of both Thailand and Cambodia, and any disruption to this sector could have significant consequences. Thailand, in particular, has long relied on tourism as one of its major sources of revenue, with millions of international visitors flocking to the country each year. Similarly, Cambodia’s growing tourism industry has been a key contributor to its economic growth, with Southeast Asia’s rich cultural history drawing visitors from around the world.
As one of the largest tourist markets in the region, Kolkata’s significant contribution to Thailand and Cambodia’s tourism traffic is especially notable. The potential drop in tourist numbers from Kolkata could have ripple effects throughout the region, affecting everything from hotel bookings to air travel and local businesses that rely on international visitors.
Safety Measures and Travel Precautions for Kolkata Travelers
For those still considering travel to Thailand and Cambodia, it is crucial to stay informed about the current situation and to follow all safety advice issued by government and travel authorities. Both countries have a robust security apparatus in place to protect foreign tourists, and significant measures are often taken to ensure the safety of visitors even during times of political or military unrest.
Travelers should also consider registering with their embassy or consulate upon arrival in either country, as this provides an additional layer of security and ensures that travelers can be reached in case of emergencies. Additionally, travelers are encouraged to stay up-to-date with the latest travel advisories and to follow the guidance of local authorities.
In light of the recent tensions, many travelers are also taking extra precautions by purchasing travel insurance that covers political instability and medical emergencies. This can help mitigate the risks associated with traveling to potentially unstable regions and provide peace of mind for those who are still determined to proceed with their travel plans.
Kolkata’s Domestic Tourism Alternatives: A Rising Trend Amidst Global Uncertainty
As international travel faces uncertainty, many Kolkata residents are opting for domestic vacations. As the festive season and Durga Puja celebrations unfold, there has been a significant surge in the demand for domestic travel. Indian destinations, especially those with cultural, historical, and natural attractions, are seeing a boost in bookings as travelers seek alternatives closer to home.
Destinations such as Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa, and the Andaman Islands are experiencing high demand from travelers who were initially planning overseas trips. These destinations offer a blend of culture, history, and relaxation, making them appealing alternatives to international travel during these uncertain times.
Navigating Travel Uncertainty with Informed Decisions
Ongoing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have dashed the travel plans of a good number of people in Kolkata, helping to ensure a few more are forced to remain at home. But with guidance from travel authorities and tourism boards, as well as alternative destinations to consider, travelers can be educated consumers about their trips.
India’s Durga Puja travel plans have gone haywire with the rising Thailand-Cambodia border conflict affecting the bookings, leaving holidaymakers from Kolkata jittery. In a climate of anxiety, people are now trying to find safer alternatives, with many looking at domestic destinations within India, weighed down by fears as to the unknown dangers of traveling to Southeast Asia at this time.
Whether you decide to to hold out for the world to settle down, or decide to take a domestic road trip, here is what to know. Tourists should therefore be in contact with their agency and pay attention to official advice as the situation adjusts, so that they plan the safest holiday possible.
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