Japan Tragedy Hits Tourism Industry On Two Fronts

By: Valarie D'Elia

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The earthquake and tsunami in Japan has raised many questions about what that means for travel to the devastated country, as well as the impact on tourism to New York City. NY1's Valarie D'Elia filed the following report.

The devastating earthquake and resulting tsunami that hit Japan is sending tremors through the tourism industry.

Apparently, Americans don't need a U.S. government issued travel warning to keep them from traveling to Japan.

"Even though there are areas of Japan that were unaffected. I would imagine anyone planning on going to Japan is thinking twice. Nobody wants to mess with radiation," said Travel Weekly Editor-in-Chief Arnie Weissmann.

Because of the earthquake, tsunami and resulting radiation threat, travel packagers who specialize in Japan are doing a lot of juggling.

"If it's possible, if they could postpone the trip, sometimes they could do it just by a week or two. Other times they will reschedule for three or six months or even a year down the road," said Ken Fish of Absolute Travel.

Even though most airlines are still flying, they have relaxed their cancelation policies offering passengers the option to defer their travel without penalty.

"The U.S. airlines are keeping their regular schedules, they're flying into Tokyo," said George Hobica of airfarewatchdog.com.

When the quake hit, Travel Weekly's Arnie Weissman was on an Asian cruise, an increasingly popular and exotic itinerary.

"In fact, all of the cruise lines that I am aware of have rerouted, found new ports to substitute all of the Japanese ports that they may be calling on in the immediate future," Weissmann said.

Even though the tsunami came nowhere close, tourism in New York City is poised to take a hit from a decline in Japanese visitors, the city's 11th largest international market.

NYC & Company, the city's tourism agency, says New York could lose up to a third of the Japan travel market this year, representing a decrease of approximately 75,000 visitors and a loss of $187.5 million in direct spending.

It's likely though, that the tourism fallout might eventually present an economic opportunity for travelers.

"We are going to see some amazing airfares to Japan, there's no question," Hobica said.

If you want to help, check with your airline to see if you can donate miles or money to the relief efforts.

As is common practice in the travel industry, Travel With Val often receives complimentary travel or reduced "media" rates at hotels, resorts and attractions, including those that may be featured in these reports. Such consideration is not taken in exchange for any express or implied promise or understanding of any nature, particularly regarding the content of these reports. These reports only feature travel providers personally recommended by Valarie D’Elia in the exercise of her independent editorial judgment, and do not represent the endorsement of Time Warner Cable or any third party.