JAISALMER: Ongoing tensions in the Middle East, including the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, are now impacting RajasthanтАЩs tourism sector. One of the worldтАЩs most luxurious trains, the Palace on Wheels, has witnessed a disappointing tourist season, with falling passenger occupancy linked to global instability. On Sunday, during its final trip of the season, the Palace on Wheels reached Jaisalmer with only 30 passengers on board. Two upcoming scheduled trips had already been cancelled due to a lack of bookings. From September to April this season, out of 32 scheduled trips, 10 had to be cancelled, leaving tourism industry stakeholders concerned about significant financial losses. The Palace on Wheels, known globally as a symbol of RajasthanтАЩs royal heritage, has had a season far below expectations. The ongoing tensions and war-like situation in the Middle East have slowed down operations of this prestigious train, directly affecting RajasthanтАЩs tourism sector. Sunday marked the final trip of the season to Jaisalmer. The next two planned trips were cancelled due to insufficient bookings. In its 43-year history, this is only the second time that around 31% of its trips have been cancelled. For the second consecutive year, global conflicts have disrupted operations. Last year, prolonged conflicts between Israel and Hamas, along with the Russia-Ukraine war, also led to the cancellation of 10 trips. Since 1982, when foreign tourist inflow began in Jaisalmer, the train has been a backbone of the regionтАЩs tourism. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, its popularity has steadily declined. The train has a capacity of 84 passengers, and as per operational norms, a trip runs only if at least 14 cabins are booked. This season, bookings in several instances did not even reach 10 cabins, leading to cancellations. High ticket prices, ranging from Rs12 lakh to Rs21 lakh, have also contributed to the decline in demand. After being restarted post-COVID in December 2022, the train was privatised in 2023. Its interiors were completely revamped, adding facilities beyond five-star standards. Despite these upgrades, it has failed to attract sufficient foreign tourists. Jaisalmer Railway Station Superintendent Pankaj Jha said that eight trips had already been cancelled earlier, and with two more cancelled recently, the total number of cancellations this season reached 10. The final trip on Sunday brought only 30 passengers to Jaisalmer. Tour operator I.V. Singh said that apart from the Middle East conflict, earlier global issues like the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas tensions had already reduced international tourist arrivals. Earlier, the train operated at 70тАУ80% occupancy, but this time, the final trip saw only about 26% occupancy. Due to global uncertainty, foreign tourists are hesitant to travel abroad. Tourism entrepreneur Mayank Kumar said the industry has been severely impacted since the COVID period. The recent Iran-Israel tensions further reduced foreign tourist arrivals, resulting in multiple trip cancellations. So far, only about 10 trips have been successfully operated this season. The decline in passenger numbers on this luxury train has dealt a major blow to Rajasthan tourism. Local folk artists have also been affected, as fewer tourist visits have reduced their performance opportunities, impacting their livelihoods.
