Impact of Sars on Tourism

Tourists travel only when they feel secure in taking the trip, as the events of September 11, 2001, clearly illustrated. On September 1, occupancy rates in the Rockies in Canada were at their normal 95 percent, but by September 15, they had fallen 30 percent. Business travel around the world dropped by 63 percent in the weeks that followed the terrorism and vacation travel patterns changed. Tourists chose to travel by car, motor coach, or train and stayed closer to home rather than taking the airplane which is risky. These global events can badly affect on tourism. Safety needs must be met in order for travel to take place. Nothing brings tourism to a halt faster than war, epidemic, weather issue or the threat of terrorism. Another event that had an impact on tourism to Canada was the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) epidemic in Toronto. While the disease was kept tightly controlled, the World Health Organization issued a six-month travel advisory for Canada. As a result, tourists responded by cancelling business trips, conferences and conventions, and of course vacations. In the middle of high season, Toronto hotels were running at 25 percent capacity.

The outbreak of SARS began in Guangdong province, mainland China in November, 2002 and originated from civet cats, which was the first pandemic of 21st century. However, Chinese government did not inform the World Health Organization (WHO) of the outbreak until February 2003. In February and March 2003, the disease spread to Hong Kong and then to Vietnam, Singapore, Canada and elsewhere. It was the American business traveler who initially introduces the disease to Hong Kong from Guangdong, China. Unfortunately, there were at least ten other travelers in Hong Kong who stayed on the same hotel as American traveler. Seven of the infected out of ten guests returned to their home in Canada, Vietnam and Singapore, spreading disease by respiratory tract. As a result, SARS had affected more than 8000 people and caused 774 deaths worldwide during a nine month. The SARS created international anxiety because of the speed of its spread through the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) had begun to issue of travel advisories to prevent the spread of infection by international travel. As a consequence, the outbreak of SARS had impacted increasingly on travel and tourism.

Tourism is an important sector in some countries because tourism is a “product” they sell, and the revenues from this product are used to help balance the budget and reduce the deficit. The revenues created by the industry benefit all levels of government such as federal, provincial and municipal organizations. Tourism also has the ability to create more jobs at a faster pace than any other industry in certain countries. However, the negative impact of SARS on tourism started since the people has recognized the situation through the media. Suprastructure, accommodation, national economies and transportation