Coronavirus Travel News

This week in tourism news, the cruise industry — which has long seemed immune to criticism about its health and safety record — is in deep trouble from coronavirus, with lines suspending cruises altogether. Plus, Baltimore rebrands itself as a tourist destination to fight stereotypes of violence.

The cruise industry has had a spectacularly rotten week. Facing criticism from all sides, it looks increasingly unlikely that many lines will still be sailing as scheduled on Monday.

U.S. airlines were in a position of strength. And then the coronavirus crisis struck. Although no carrier has announced layoffs or has requested a government bailout, the days, weeks, and months ahead look rough.

Spring break travel is in wait-and-see mode as travel advisors field calls from clients rattled by the coronavirus pandemic. Some travelers are swapping their trips for “safer” spots like Hawaii, Florida, and the Caribbean.

Of the big global hotel chains, IHG is so far leading the way in terms of a customer-centric cancellation policy. Its rivals should take note.

U.S. airlines hoped they had stopped the boom-and-bust cycle. And they may have been OK in facing a traditional recession. But coronavirus is something else altogether. With few people traveling, airlines may need to reduce their staffs.

In some ways, this has felt inevitable. The cruise line at the center of the coronavirus crisis is temporarily ceasing operations. The question is whether this decision will be the first domino to fall.

Where do we go next? That’s probably the question the tourism sector will be asking as a battered industry tries to comprehend and navigate such unprecedented travel restrictions on a global scale.

United Airlines can do anything it wants to save its business. But we caution the airline against changing the rules after people buy tickets. Do that enough, and travelers will stop trusting you.

One of Warren Buffett's best known bits of investment advice is: "Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.” The fundamentals for TUI still look good, so Hamed El Chiaty might have just struck a bargain deal for himself.