Virus Outbreak Leaves Asia Grappling With Tourism Fallout — and Growing Xenophobia
Skift Take
The coronavirus threat has given rise to a cloud of anti-Chinese discrimination. A virus outbreak is not an occasion for xenophobia or prejudice but a time for the tourism sector to work in solidarity to overcome the crisis. After all, viruses respect no borders or nationalities.
As the outbreak of the new coronavirus spreads to more than 15 countries worldwide, China’s ability to contain the epidemic is coming under increasing scrutiny. But growing in tandem with the virus spread are louder calls to impose greater travel restrictions on Chinese nationals in order to curb the spread of coronavirus, and that has come to the attention of travel industry leaders in the region.
Such reactions in Asia are not surprising though, said Mario Hardy, CEO of Pacific Asia Travel Association. “I think people are generally concerned and worried, especially those who have experienced SARS,” he explained.
The SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) epidemic, which swept across Asia in 2003, still lingers fresh for many people. The virus killed 774 people worldwide in 17 countries, causing widespread fear and severely curtailing travel in Asia.
For now, China has taken the unprecedented move of sealin
