INDEPENDENT operators stand to lose thousands of pounds as
people turn their backs on New York during the peak autumn and Christmas
shopping period.
But they are adamant bookings to the Big Apple will bounce
back because clients will still want to visit the city.
Travelscene sends 3,000-4,000 passengers to New York every
year and would normally expect good sales during September. Operations director
Nina Swift said: “It could cost us thousands. We all work close to our margins.
I have a nasty feeling some people will not go there now. It is bound to have
an effect and we have had a lot of callers wanting to cancel.
“People are weighing up their options, but most wish to
continue with their plans and I think operators will get through it. But there
could be a shift away from travel to the US.”
Osprey Holidays managing director John Bennett said the
impact on New York’s tourism industry would be felt in the short to medium
term.
Operators are offering cancellations free of charge and most
have promised to foot the extra hotel bills incurred by customers being forced
to extend their stays in the US.