Fears of a potential flu pandemic could deal tourism industry another body blow.

CTC Tourism Intelligence Bulletin examines the impact of the H1N1 virus, a rise in Canadian domestic travel intentions and signs of international optimism.

It’s been another tough period for the industry. If the global recession wasn’t bad enough, fears of a flu pandemic evoked memories of the SARS crisis in 2003 and its harsh impact on travel.

The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) Tourism Intelligence Bulletin monitors the tourism industry around the world. This May issue features tourism intelligence gathered in March and April 2009.

Other bulletin highlights include:

• A survey before the flu outbreak suggested a significant rise in Canadians who plan to vacation at home, while US vacation intentions dropped to a new low.
• Global business volumes continue to plummet, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The number of premium-class passengers fell 21% in February 2009.
• Americans see travel as more affordable now, but still plan to cut spending.
• The UK’s two biggest travel companies, Thomas Cook and TUI, were more upbeat about the UK market in their latest trading updates.
• The Chinese government forecasts a solid rise in Chinese outbound trips this year.

Read the complete Tourism Intelligence Bulletin for March to April 2009.