Wednesday, March 8 2006 15:31 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Varanasi is an important tourist attraction for foreigners coming in search of religious India. But thankfully, tour operators say their season is ending so yesterday's blasts would not have much of an impact on tourism.

What they are more concerned about is the domestic circuit, as Varanasi is also a favourite of tourists from South India and their season begins in April.

"After Taj, Varanasi is the most favourite destination of foreign tourists. And their season is from October to March. Since the season is tapering off, the blasts would have only a temporary effect," says Subhash Goyal, President, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO).

"After the Delhi blasts, things were back to normal the second day. Terrorism has become a part of life. Tourism would definitely be affected, but only for a few days perhaps," says Goyal.

Agrees Mohan Chander, Manager, Panicker Travels, "if there is communal tension in the area following the blasts, cancellations would certainly be there. It is a very popular destination among tourists from South India. We have to wait and see."

"When fear factor is there, it certainly affects tourism, says Chander.

Monis Khan of Hina Tours

Meanwhile, Monis Khan of Hina Tours says "the foreign tourists who are already in India and were planning to go to Varanasi are now thinking of other destinations."

He cites the example of some Canadian tourists, who he says are now opting for Goa instead of Varanasi.

"We received two cancellations from Germany today. The blasts would impact tourism, atleast for a month or two," says D L Talwar, another tour operator.

Varanasi is one of the most important attractions for tourists in the country. The city is most famous for its ghats on the river Ganges. It is steeped in Hindu mythology, with scriptures describing it as home to millions of shrines and deities.

Over five lakh tourists visit Varanasi every year, out of which nearly one lakh are foreign tourists, according to figures available with tour operators.