Avian Flu changes travel plans
One in two Australians say fear of Avian or bird flu has affected their travel plans, a new survey has found.
The survey, by leading destination site totaltravel.com, also found more than 20 per cent of Australian holiday makers or one in five are refusing to travel overseas because of fears of catching the disease.
The survey was conducted over the previous weekend with more than 400 respondents.
Paul Fisher, spokesman for totaltravel.com – ranked the number one site for Australian’s seeking information about destinations – said he was surprised by the strong level of concern about bird flu.
“With one in five Australians saying they won’t even travel overseas because of fears about the disease this must be having an impact on the outbound travel industry,” Mr Fisher said.
“In the lead-up to the Easter school holiday break these concerns may also mean the domestic tourism industry is receiving a boost from fears about bird flu.”
The survey asked visitors to the Totaltravel.com site the impact of Avian or bird flu on their travel plans. Excluding those who responded “don’t know”, 50 per cent said it had had no impact, 28 per cent said it had some impact on where they traveled overseas and 22 per cent said they would only travel domestically because of the disease.
The Australian Government is currently advising Australians travelling overseas to inform themselves about the risks of avian influenza, be prepared to take personal responsibility for their own safety and put appropriate contingency plans in place.
Graham Muldoon
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026