TD readers feel the impact

THE coronavirus outbreak is having a significant impact on TD readers, with 82% of respondents to our poll experiencing a cancellation of services as a direct result of the virus.

The impact extends well beyond China, with almost half of those who have experienced cancellations being primarily for Asia-based bookings.

Of these cancellations, 28.9% have been for travel to China, followed by 14.5% for travel to other regions of the world.

Over a quarter of travellers who are booked to travel to China or other parts of Asia are cancelling their Asia travel (26.3%), while 21.3% are deferring all trips and 20% are just cancelling their China travel.

Many respondents highlighted cruise as the biggest area they are seeing impacted by coronavirus, with clients “nervous” about cruises in Asia.

15% are opting to book travel for an alternative destination, with some respondents highlighting that travellers are perceiving Europe as a safer destination, and opting to fly via the Middle East.

Looking forward, client inquiry and forward bookings are feeling the heat, with 47% of respondents reporting some bookings are being cancelled and 23% witnessing many bookings cancelled.

Some forward bookings are being deferred (10.7%) and others are seeing little to no impact at all (10.7%).

Less inquiry for travel overall was reported by 40.7% and less inquiry for Asia overall has been seen by 30.9%.

The survey garnered responses from readers from a variety of sectors, including 56% of which worked in a retail travel agency, 14.3% in wholesale and 6% in hotels, accommodation and resorts.