Cape Town - Fear of contracting the Ebola virus is keeping safari tourists from visiting African countries, including South Africa, according to an online survey by Netherlands-based firm Safari Bookings.
The firm’s founder, Wouter Vergeer, said the survey was conducted to measure the impact Ebola had on the safari industry.
More than 500 tour operators and travel agents were questioned about what impact Ebola has had on their bookings. More than half said their bookings were down by 20 to 70 percent over the last month.
“The impact is more noticeable in east than in southern Africa. It is a heavy blow for the industry and the numerous wildlife reserves that rely on its revenue,” Vergeer said.
Brett Thompson, managing director of Sun Safaris in Cape Town, said that over the last month he had noticed a decrease of about 30 percent in enquiries about tours to South Africa.
“Potential customers have e-mailed us and said they are too afraid to come to South Africa for fear that they might contract the virus.”
Vergeer said: “Tourists don’t realise that east and southern Africa, where most safaris are conducted, are just as far from the outbreak area as Europe or South America.
“The Ebola virus is not airborne and only spreads if people come in contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person. As there are no confirmed Ebola cases in any major safari countries, the current risk is very low.”
Cape Times