Industry responds to US crisis

THE whole world reacted with shock, amazement and horror at the devastating attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York and the Pentagon in Washington yesterday. Then reality set in and the effects of the disaster on all aspects of life, including the tourism industry, had to be measured. Flights were cancelled or diverted, airports shut down and hotels are overflowing with people - who were meant to fly to the US or to SA - being accommodated indefinitely Late yesterday, airlines were indicating that flights to and from the US had resumed. How has this affected your business - operators who were expecting US guests or guests meant to fly back after a holiday in the region - and what contingency plans have been put in place? Please respond to Speaker’s Corner by clicking on the ‘Reply to the Editor’ icon. Readers have also sent messages of condolence to their American travel partners. To view these, click on the ‘Speakers Corner’ icon on the left side of the homepage. TNN too, extends its condolences to the US. Our prayers are with you. (Adéle Mackenzie)