Articles tagged “zika”

The modern traveler may face more threats than in the past, but the outlook for global travel remains bright as travelers prove to be more resilient and aware than ever before.

These spokespeople from Puerto Rico tourism agencies want to make one thing clear: neither Zika nor Puerto Rico's financial crisis are seriously problematic for tourism to the island.

As they try to promote tourism amid a Zika outbreak, Caribbean destinations — and especially Puerto Rico — are facing challenges. Spreading information about efforts to combat the spread, targeting visitors who are least threatened by the virus, and running promotions to spark demand are some of the efforts Puerto Rico's tourism leaders are employing.

Maybe a silver lining to Zika's toll on Wynwood is that the district is getting a huge amount of global press that could pay off when everything is back to normal.

For now, things are stable for hotels and cruise lines in South Florida. If the Zika virus continues to spread during the period leading up to the winter, which is the area's peak tourism period, this may quickly change.

The bigger questions on everyone’s mind in the hospitality industry: Is the cycle finally turning downward? Are the good times of high occupancies and revenues over? Should hoteliers be worried?

Zika is having a noticeable affect on the travel industry. We might see more travelers cancel, or decline to book, their vacations to tried-and-true destinations in the Caribbean.

Cruise passengers — who are, on average, 49 years old in North America — don't seem to be panicking over the mosquito-borne illness that appears to pose the biggest threat to pregnant women.

The Zika virus has dangerous consequences for female travelers. But right now, fear-mongering exceeds the actual threat to travelers.

The cruise industry has struggled for years to shake its habit of discounting to fill ships. Royal Caribbean is sending a message that it is willing to lose a little revenue in the short term to achieve long-term gains.