Speaking from the ETOA Britain & Ireland Marketplace, Tom Jenkins, the CEO of ETOA said, “Everyone’s thoughts are with the Chinese people at a time of national crisis. However, fast the Coronavirus is spreading, the impact is spreading faster and wider. Fear, especially combined with government travel bans, is a powerful deterrent to tourism.”
The Chinese authorities issued a ban on sales of all outbound travel packages on 24 January 2020 encouraging travel organizers to urge their clients to boycott travel. A total ban on group travel was instigated as of 27 January 2020.
The Golden week surrounding the Chinese New Year is an important time for business during a low-season period.
“We estimate that about 7% of all annual outbound tourism from China takes place during the Chinese New Year was due to leave China before the travel ban took place on the 27th of January, but the evolving situation led to approximately 60% of the groups being cancelled. So, with caution, it is possible that two-thirds of the visitors expected to arrive in Europe over this period have not done so,” said Tom Jenkins.
“These are last-minute cancellations – some within twenty-four hours – releasing space when there is little alternative demand” added Jenkins.
“We also need to stress that Europe – and the UK will continue to be viewed as part of Europe by long haul markets – remains virtually free of Coronavirus. It needs to be free of the even more contagious and damaging threat of fear,” he concluded.
Tags: coronavirus
