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WTM: Health issues can have significant effect on travel

Health issues can have some of the most “significant” and “devastating” effects on whether people travel, according to United Nations World Tourism Organization secretary-general Taleb Rifai.

Rifai, who was speaking at the WTM Vision – The Global Economic Forum session at World Travel Market today, said that health challenges can have a bigger impact than even the current financial crisis.

He said: “People will not go to places if there are clear health risks.”

He said Mexico had been remarkable in dealing with the outbreak of swine flu and said: “We have never been as prepared as we are now to deal with a health crisis.”

P&O Cruises managing director Carol Marlow admitted health issues such as swine flu are a challenge for the industry.

She said: “We have strict screening for customers coming onto our ships. When swine flu hit Mexico some cruise ships had to change their itineraries. It is a challenge, but we do have strict rules and regulations.”

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