Bird flu fears hit travel industry

TRAVEL companies are being warned to draw up contingency plans to protect their business as fears over the spread of bird flu into Europe continue to grow.

ABTA has arranged a session at its forthcoming Travel Convention in Marrakesh on how to deal with the likely effects of the avian virus H5, and its potential fatal human strain H5N1, should it reach the UK.

The virus has spread westwards with migratory birds and cases have now been found in Greece.

Although it is unlikely travel bans will be introduced, both ABTA and the Pacific Asia Travel Association have issued warnings to members to be prepared for a large scale outbreak of the human strain of the virus.

PATA UK chapter chairman Tim Robinson said: “In the worst-case scenario, governments could close borders. That would obviously affect business greatly.

“Everyone should look at how they will operate if they have a significant number of staff off work ill.”

UK customs officials are currently checking incoming flights from areas with confirmed outbreaks.

UK chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson has already warned up to 50,000 Britons could die if the human form of the disease hits the UK. So far, operators and agents claim travellers are unconcerned by the threat.

First Choice is the only one of the big four to send an internal memo to its agents informing them of Foreign Office and Commonwealth Office advice.

However, Advantage managing director John McEwan said the grounding of aircraft would have a devastating effect on the industry. “It’s early days, but we have to take it seriously,” he said.

ABTA said any increased threat to health could result in health screening similar to that introduced for SARS in 2003 at airports worldwide.

“We hope the World Health Organisation takes the lead and there is a joined-up response from governments,” said an ABTA spokeswoman.

Meanwhile, up-to-date information on bird flu is being posted on the Association of Corporate Travel Executives’ website, acte.org.