Challenging Swine Flu

As motels hunker down for a long winter, it is natural for the industry to be somewhat sensitive to media reports sensationalising swine flu. At a time when shoulder season travel should be encouraged, there has been some concerning comments from "officials" reported in the New Zealand media discouraging travel.

Domestic travel that makes up over 70% of motel's guest nights and any misguided public commentary that may depress this core market should be challenged.

Meanwhile, the American Hotel and Lodging Association have encouraged people to continue traveling "as hotels and flights are an excellent value, and the average price for a gallon of gas is around $2.15." The association's latest press release, continues with some common sense advice for the traveling public and officials that have made unqualified public statements:

"Washington, D.C., April 30, 2009 – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) released the following statement from President/CEO Joseph A. McInerney in response to comments by lawmakers that discourage Americans from using public transportation facilities and equipment during the swine H1N1 flu situation:

“Elected officials in this country carry a powerful responsibility to make the right statements during an influenza crisis. Their words will influence millions of Americans, so it’s imperative that they make informed statements.

“Health officials have repeatedly stated that travel to or within the United States is safe. President Obama has stated that reasonable health precautions, such as frequent hand washing or staying home if one falls ill, should govern our activity during this crisis. Cutting back on travel today will not help this nation weather this storm.

“The American hotel industry urges our elected officials in every office, from President to Vice President and throughout Congress, to think carefully about what they are advising the American people to do, and base their comments on researched information. We will all depend on their actions to help safely lead the U.S. lodging industry and American public through this health crisis.”

This looks like a good template for New Zealand's accommodation and tourism leaders to follow.