ANTIGUA: Hotel Association Monitors Zika Virus

The mosquito-borne virus Zika, which is prompting worldwide safety concerns and the cost of travel, were two of the major issues which occupied the attention of regional tourism officials who met on the weekend in Bahamas.

Chairman of the Antigua Hotels and Tourist Association (AHTA), Alex Debrito said hoteliers who were in attendance at the two-day meeting said visitors have already cancelled bookings as a result of the many travel advisories which have been posted in various mediums.

While health authorities have reported no sign of the virus here, he said many colleagues in the industry have already expressed concern about the threat caused by the virus.

“We have received phone calls from guests who are worried about the virus and some colleagues who say they have already seen some cancellations,” Debrito said.

“It’s something that is still not focal in Antigua & Barbuda. However, it is already in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, and with people travelling it would be a question of time until we have that problem near us,” he added.

According to online research, the Zika virus, transmitted by the aggressive Aedes aegypti mosquito, has now spread to at least 21 countries and territories of the Americas.