The absence of groups of Chinese tourists in major tourist cities, due to the coronavirus epidemic, is weighing on the global tourism industry, the Financial Times newspaper reported Thursday.
In 2019, there were 150 million trips of Chinese tourists in the world, representing spending of 130 billion dollars, or 13% more than in 2018.
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Since the outbreak of the virus in Wuhan, hoteliers, tour operators and other tourism players are plunged into uncertainty in the face of potential tourists confined to their homes or prevented from travelling abroad. At least 14 countries have restricted or banned flights from China.
Paris, London and Venice are empty of Chinese tourists, as are countries close to China such as Thailand. In Macao, a Chinese territory with special status, the lack of tourists is a major burden on the gambling industry.
More than 60,000 people have been infected with the virus and at least 1,355 people have died, according to the latest figures.
The Brussels Times
