Trade prepares for further tourist fall after Monday's air crash
Latest air crash likely to have further repercussions for tourism
The tourism industry is bracing itself for further losses after the Queens air crash on Monday.
More than 250 people died in the New York crash, which is not thought to have been caused by a terrorist attack.
Now the UK's tourism trade is waiting to see exactly how this latest blow will affect pubs and other leisure businesses in Britain.
The crash happened just days after the Government revealed the devastating effects foot-and-mouth disease and the US terrorist attacks have had on British tourism.
A quarter of a million visitors stayed away from the UK in September after the attacks, while in the months from January to September there were 11 per cent fewer tourists than the same period last year.
In London alone, the losses are estimated to be anything up to £1.5bn (the Tower of London, pictured, among many tourist attractions to be affected), while the rest of the country has also suffered badly.
This year has been the worst on record for British tourism, according to the Office for National Statistics, and experts believe actual losses could be even more shocking.
It could take until 2005 before the industry recovers, according to a report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR).
It is forecasting that overseas tourism to the UK will be down 10 per cent this year, and at least three per cent next year.
The CEBR also estimates that tourist numbers will rise by just 18.9 per cent between 2000 and 2005, compared to the 25.9 per cent forecast before the September 11 terrorist attacks.
The report, carried out for the Association of British Travel Agents, takes into account the economic downturn and the effects of the attacks. "The hits the industry has taken this year will be enough to affect the whole 2001 to 2005 period," said Kevin McCauley of the CEBR.
The report also warned that the estimates would have to be revised sharply downward if there were any further major terrorist incidents and it is not yet known how the trade will be affected by last week's crash.
Culture secretary Tessa Jowell has told tourism chiefs that the industry is too fragmented and that pubs, hotels and restaurants should work together - something that is now underway.
She also said standards had to be raised and a new approach towards skills and training was needed.
Related stories:
Help for flagging tourism industry (30 October 2001)
Blow for London pubs as tourists shun city in favour of regions (29 October 2001)
UK pubs badly hit by fears of terrorist attacks (22 October 2001)
New tourism body set up to unify trade (12 October 2001)
Brewers and pubcos fear Afghanistan action will hit trade (09 October 2001)
Trade aims to boost tourism (28 September 2001)
Uncertain future for pubs in wake of US terrorist attacks (26 September 2001)
Pubs to delay opening as mark of respect for victims of US atrocities (13 September 2001)
People flock to pubs to watch attack on America unfold (12 September 2001)
