Tourism hit after first South Korean MERS deaths reported
The MERS outbreak in South Korea is starting to take its toll on tourism.
Following the death of two South Koreans from Middle East respiratory syndrome, major travel company Hana Tour said 300 Chinese tourists cancelled a tour, and the company’s stock value fell 9%.
South Korean carrier Asiana Airlines also saw its shares fall for the fourth day running.
In addition to the first two deaths, about 700 people are being monitored in their homes, while about 100 are in isolation at hospitals.
A 58-year-old woman and an elderly man died of the virus, while the number of confirmed MERS cases now stands at 25.
The virus, called MERS-COV, originates from the Arabian peninsula and has infected more than 1,100 people with more than 400 deaths, most of which have been in the Middle East.
The original source of the outbreak is thought to be a 68-year-old man who travelled to Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the South Korea health ministry said.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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