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Tourism chiefs discuss bird flu

WORLD tourism chiefs will this week hold the first in a series of briefings about the impact of bird flu on travel.

The tourism bosses - members of United Nations agency the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) - will discuss avian flu during the world's largest travel fair, ITB Berlin, on Friday, March 10.

"The issue of avian influenza and the possibility of mutation of the virus to a human influenza is out there now and we should focus on it in a measured and rational way," said Geoffrey Lipman, special advisor to UNWTO secretary-general Francesco Frangialli.

Mr Lipman went on: "So far its impact on tourism has been minimal, but we need to prepare for all eventualities. There is a need for efficient sharing of information and preparation.

"Tourism is a vast dynamic global network. We have to play our part in the international community response while minimising the disruption to travel, which is at the heart of economic growth and development."

Among others attending the hour-long briefing will be Martin Brackenbury of the International Federation of Tour Operators.

Last week, Mr Frangialli wrote to UNWTO member states about bird flu. He said: "The incidences of avian flu are growing and tourism will eventually be affected.

"It is therefore our duty both to mitigate the impacts and to play our part in the national and international community response."