U.S. Travel Urges Measured Response to Swine Flu Crisis

The U.S. Travel Association expressed concern over the effects of the swine flu threat on travel and urged travelers to heed the advice of experts when determining how best to manage health concerns. The association cited the counsel of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that swine flu should not discourage people from traveling to or within the U.S.

"We recommend that government officials treat this issue and any forthcoming statements with care and caution.  We must address the situation with measured, pragmatic responses so as not to cause panic and negative consequences to the economy if health risks are not imminent,” U.S. Travel said. "Recent health concerns, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Avian flu, provide useful guidance as governments, opinion leaders and travelers consider the appropriate response to swine flu. We stand ready to assist the U.S. government and health experts in any way necessary to communicate critical information to travelers. The U.S. Travel Association has contacted all relevant agencies with an offer to help in any way needed, and will soon begin posting updates on www.ustravel.org."