Insights October 2009
WILL THE INDUSTRY CATCH THE FLU?
The H1N1 epidemic has been declared a “national emergency” and the U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention is reporting the virus (aka the Swine Flu) is now “widespread” in 46 of 50 states. Numerous schools have been closed and public events cancelled as a result. Physician visits to evaluate flu-like symptoms are also reported to be higher now than the level typically recorded at the peak of the winter flu season.
We have vivid memories of the devastating impact of the Swine Flu on tourism to and within such popular destinations as Mexico and Argentina just a few short months ago. Airlines and attractions (both domestically and internationally) also felt the pain, as travelers were fearful of finding themselves in confined spaces conducive to the spread of the virus. So what impact is the specter of further spread of the disease likely to have on the travel industry?
Our October 2009 travelhorizonsTM survey included several questions on this subject in order to gauge the potential impact of an extensive outbreak on the travel intentions of Americans. The results suggest the industry should be concerned about the potential impact, as revealed below:
- Fully two-thirds of U. S. adults expect the incidence of Swine Flu in the U. S. to be higher this fall and winter compared to last spring;
- Among respondents who intend to take a leisure trip during the next six months (from now through the end of April 2010), over one third would be “very/extremely likely” to alter their travel plans should their intended destination experience a widespread outbreak of the H1N1 virus;
- When asked how they would change their travel plans, almost half (45%) said they would postpone their trip until the outbreak subsided; fully one-third stated they would visit a different destination, and three out of ten (31%) said they would cancel their trip.
Expected Change In Leisure Travel Plans In
Event Of Widespread Swine Flu Outbreak
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. And given the speed with which the disease is known to spread, the time to do so is now.
For further information on the results of the October 2009 travelhorizonsTM survey please visit the Publications section of www.ypartnership.com.
October 30th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Dear Mr. Yasewich:
Thank you for sharing this important information.
Best regards
Hotel Playa Mazatlan
Lic. Jose Manuel Castello
General Director
castello@hotelplayamazatlan.com
011-52(669) 989-0555
October 30th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
With pleasure.
October 30th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Hi Peter
This is invaluable. many thanks
Regards
Austin
October 30th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
With pleasure, and here’s hoping it doesn’t play out as anticipated…
November 1st, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Peter,
This is interesting information, but when you mention “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,” what, exactly do you mean?
If the virus has broken out, what can an individual property owner do to change public sentiment about traveling to that destination? Surely having a plan to deal with it (management and staff policies for dealing with illness, avoidance, etc.) is essential, but how can a public relations campaign change the end result if travelers stop coming?
Thanks, as always.
Peter
November 1st, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Every destination (and property) should be prepared to respond with the launch of a public information campaign (using your respective Web sites) that provides both prospective guests and representatives of the media with the latest (factual) information on the incidence and impact of the outbreak on its destination, property, travel tips for those still planning to arrive, etc. so they can plan (and report) with the benefit of access to the latest information. Our recent experience in Mexico confirms the high potential for misinformation…and the devastating effect this can have on business.
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Dear Peter:
That is very valuable information to star seeking for alternatives, which at this stage, Mazatlan can still save the season if propper steps are taken. Los Cabos still has not been able to come back after the newsbreak of the health alert since last May. This along with the economic crisis will sure make it the most challengins season for Mazatlan ever.
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Thank you for sharing this information.
I think it is important to include in the emergency plan that every property as well as airport authorities, restaurants and so forth, have a ‘health program’ in place indicating what each one of us is doing to prevent spread of infection: cleaning with alcohol gels every X time handrails, elevators push buttons, etc., etc. This in addition to an effective communication plan.
Saludos
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Excellent advice to all hoteliers reading this. Gracias y saludos.
November 5th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Hola Peter,
Muchas gracias y buenas noches.
Isauro Cruz / Isla Cozumel
November 6th, 2009 at 7:35 am
Con mucho gusto!
November 11th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Dear Mr. Peter,
IM SO GLAD TO SEE THAT YOU HAVE THE TIME AND THE KINDNESS TO ANWERS ALL THE COMMENTS. THANK YOU.
BESIDES I THANK YOU TOO FOR SHARING THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL THAT, LIKE ME, WORKS IN THE TRAVEL AND TURISM INDUSTRY!
NICE DAY!
November 13th, 2009 at 7:41 am
[...] ypartnership blog » Blog Archive » Insights October 2009. [...]
July 28th, 2010 at 3:24 pm
My home country is Mexico, and i want to invite everyone to visit our Country. also if you have time for Mazatlan Sport Fishing let me know.