This question is exacerbated by the fact that the virus may very well, become one of the largest challenges ever for the travel and tourism industry, globally.
According to MSC Cruises, the current situation is affecting travel overall but it’s a little early to comment on impact, further stating “precautionary public health measures on all ships globally” on its press releases.
As yet no official figures have been released by the World Health Organization or World Travel and Tourism Council, on the impact this deadly virus has had.
“Generally we see that our guests are reassured by the preventative health measures we are taking. We have informed our guests and travel agents about the precautionary measures we are taking for the health and well-being of guests and crew onboard our global fleet,” read a media statement from MSC Cruises, with its
In recent years, China has emerged as a true global tourism leader, both as a source market and as a leading destination in itself, providing livelihoods for millions of people across the country. And tourism will offer a valuable lifeline as China recovers and rebuilds from this setback, just as the sector has proven its resilience many times before.
During times of crisis, tourism has to live up to its responsibility as an integral part of wider society. The sector must put people and their wellbeing first.
The cooperation of the tourism sector will be vital in stopping the spread of the virus and limiting its impact on people and communities. Tourists also have a responsibility to inform themselves before they travel in order to limit the threat of transmission, and they should follow the recommendations of the WHO and their own national health authorities.
Tourism is vulnerable to the effects of public health emergencies and is already being affected by this outbreak.
UNWTO as the specialized UN agency for tourism will continue supporting WHO, the lead UN agency for the management of this outbreak by advising and providing tourism specific guidance.
While there are no cases of coronavirus on-board any of MCS Cruises’ ships the measures are additional steps to secure the health and well-being of all guests and crew. Visit MSC Cruises website for those steps.
SA as a global player is on full alert and monitoring the situation have stationed some health ports at both airports and border-gates.
