USA/Europe. DMAI and its fellow travel industry associations continue to monitor the spread of the H1N1 influenza virus and its affect on the travel industry.In the U.S., the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports the virus is widespread in 48 states, and numerous schools and public events closed or canceled as a result. On 24 October, U.S. President Obama declared the spread of the H1N1 influenza virus a national emergency. The emergency declaration was not issued in response to a specific number of cases, but rather is being called “an important tool” to allow the U.S. federal government and emergency responders to quickly react to any new developments that may occur. Additionally, Peter Yesawich of YPartnership reported in the October 2009 travelhorizons survey that more than one-third of leisure travelers who intend to take a trip in the next six months would be “very likely” to alter their plans should their intended destination experience a widespread H1N1 outbreak. When asked how they would change their travel plans, 45% said they would postpone their trip until the outbreak subsided; one-third stated they would visit a different destination, and 31% said they would cancel their trip.
“These results clearly underscore the importance of having a comprehensive public information campaign/contingency plan ‘at the ready’ to deal with the expected consequences of the spread of the virus should it appear your destination is likely to be affected,” Yesawich said.
Resources to stay up to date regarding the H1N1 virus and to prepare your office and destination include:
Destinations outside the U.S. are encouraged to contact:
How is your destination being affected? Share how your destination has begun to prepare for the spread of the H1N1 virus in the myDMAI discussion forums. DMAI staff will insure that all forum posts are tagged so that a simple “H1N1” search will identify topical discussions throughout all the forums. If you haven’t used myDMAI forums yet and have questions, contact myDMAI@destinationmarketing.org. Other questions: contact Kristen Clemens, +1.202.835.4214.
