Swine Flu Will Impact Orlando Florida Tourism

We have all heard about “the boy who cried wolf” (1).  This could be Orlando’s only saving grace in the wake of the media panic regarding a new virus known as Swine Flu.

Swine Flu appears to have evolved in Mexico, but has now spread to the USA with several cases reported in New York (2). As of yet, only two cases have been confirmed in Florida.

As the public remembers the media frenzy surrounding Bird Flu and Avian Flu, many are perhaps skeptical of how serious the Swine Flu virus threat is and will be.

The Orlando tourism industry has already been devastated from the global economic crisis. In February 2009 alone, Orange County experienced a whopping 29% drop (compared to February 2008) in short term rental tax (3) – taxes collected largely from hotels. Swine Flu could not have come at a worse time.

Some countries (4) have already begun to advise their citizens not to visit the USA, and this will undoubtedly affect Orlando’s hotels, timeshares, vacation homes and theme parks alike. How much this will affect Orlando tourism depends on at least two factors:

1. The significance with which the virus spreads
2. The level and type of media coverage

Historically, both the Avian and Bird flu viruses were somewhat contained and the media coverage appeared to be hysterical rather than objective.

Whether you like it or not, Swine Flu has already had a devastating impact on the American tourism industry with most US travel industry related stocks dropping dramatically as a direct result (5).

Whatever the impact the Swine Flu virus has on Orlando tourism, its impact will not be positive unless you are a tourist visiting the area looking for some incredible bargains.