Just as visitors begun to return to south Asia, Monday’s earthquake raised fears of more holiday cancellations, empty hotels and deserted beaches.
Thailand, Indonesia, Malasia, Sri Lanka… tourism recovery is likely to be setback as warnings of further earthquakes could hit the region, causing many travelers to think twice before making bookings.
“Our hope is that travelers who have booked do not take flight and will continue to travel,” said Ken Scott of the Pacific Asia Travel Association yesterday. “I think reasonable people will see this as an extremely rare event and not change their travel plans.”
Tourists already out in the region appeared prepared to take that risk in their stride.
