Ep 5: Novel Coronavirus Global Emergency: Asia's Travel Fear Factor Returns

About This Episode

31 Jan 2020 • 27m40s

This special update assesses the impact of the Novel Coronavirus on travel and tourism during Chinese New Year, and looks ahead to the potential impact for Asia’s tourism economy in Q1.

We’ve identified 5 key vulnerabilities across Greater China, North and South East Asia and worldwide. We also discuss the potency of the Fear Factor for business and conference travel, leisure trips and upcoming travel periods, such as Sakura season in Japan and, looking ahead, the Tokyo Olympics.

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