Adventure travel operator Guerba has said bird flu is putting customers off travelling to Asia and the Far East in a sign that the virus is having an effect on tourism.
Despite reassurances that it poses no risk to travellers and a warning from the World Travel and Tourism Council not to panic, the company admitted business is slipping away from the region.
It declined to reveal figures but said there is a “small shift” from destinations including Thailand and China to Latin America and Africa.
The trend follows a similar pattern in Turkey with specialists reporting a downturn in sales.
Guerba director Ian Ripper said the uncertainty among travellers is partly due to conflicting advice given by governments in affected countries.
“We have 15 years of experience in travel to Asia,” he said. “We at Guerba constantly monitor our tour destinations and offer extensive advice on all holiday locations.”
