GLOBAL international travel is reportedly holding steady despite fears of a worldwide swine flu pandemic, and on a local level South Africans seem to not be paying much attention to Health Minister Barbara Hogan's advice to not "travel if you don't have to" (TIR 360˚ e-News, May 4).

Although international industry organisations, such as The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), are still concerned that a swine flu pandemic could have a serious impact on the global travel and tourism industry, reports from around the world indicate that it's mostly "business as usual". The only tourism destination that has been heavily affected so far has been Mexico, the epicenter of the outbreak.

In South Africa, retail travel groups and tour operators report that travel bookings have not taken a dip, despite the health minister effectively advising South Africans against non-essential travel.

"South African travellers have always displayed a persistence to travel under difficult circumstances and whilst one company that we know of has elected not to send two of their delegates to a conference taking place in South America, the impact has not been great at all.

Responding to Ms. Hogan's comment, several retail travel heads said they believed the health minister's advice - which contradicted that of the World Health Organisation (WHO) - was an overreaction.

"Perhaps all we can ask is that information that is disseminated or statements made are informed and those making them understand their consequence," said Robyn Christie, CEO of ASATA. She added that the impact in South Africa has not been significant. "In fact, ASATA has received queries relating to the preventative action to be taken for those passengers with travel plans," she said.

"Obviously I think avoiding Mexico makes sense, but as for the other countries affected in a minor way, I don't believe that anyone one with any common sense will take her comments too literally," said Will Puk, General Manager of Travel Counsellors SA.

"I have not had any reports of travel counsellors' businesses being affected by this outbreak," he added.

"I think that there is an overreaction about non-essential travel and Barbara Hogan's response has served to create some confusion amongst potential travellers," said Rod Rutter, XL Travel Chief Operating Officer, who added that his members had not had any noticeable cancellations.

Wally Gaynor, Club Travel Managing Director, said the group's travel agencies had also not had cancellations due to concerns over swine flu.

"Warning people not to get onto a plane is, in my opinion, a bit over the top," he said. "As long as travellers take the necessary precautions, it really should not be a problem."

Travellers urged to remain vigilant

While the panic over swine flu seems to have abated over the past week, the WHO is still advising the public to remain vigilant.

At the time of going to press, 22 countries had officially reported 1,534 cases of swine flu. Confirmed deaths include two in the US and 29 in Mexico. South Africa has not reported any confirmed cases, although one suspected case in the Western Cape was still being investigated.

IATA has said its member airlines are also remaining on high alert and that the association has worked with the WHO to prepare guidance materials for front line staff, including cabin crew, maintenance workers, cleaners, passenger agents and cargo/baggage handlers.

"Safety for passengers and crew is our top priority. People getting on planes should be reassured of two things. First, even under normal circumstances, airlines have equipment and measures in place to keep the cabin environment safe. Secondly, the years of planning for the possibility of avian influenza has prepared the industry to deal efficiently with the unfolding situation by following the recommendations of WHO," said IATA Director General, Giovanni Bisignani.

Mr. Bisignani, along with the WTTC and other industry stakeholders, reiterated that there is no cause for panic and that the WHO has clearly stated it is not necessary to close borders or restrict international travel.

"We hope that governments take decisions and coordinate their actions in line with WHO recommendations," he said.

However, he added that some governments are "adjusting immigration procedures, which can create confusion for travellers".

Details of the new requirements are being collected through the IATA Travel Centre and travel agents are advised to access this updated information via www.iatatravelcentre.com

Source: TIR