Travel agents said they are braced for a slowdown in cruise holiday bookings following the tragic Costa Concordia accident which saw the luxury cruise ship capsize off the coast of Italy last Friday.
Twelve people have been confirmed dead in the tragic accident and 26 others, including 23 passengers and three crew, are still missing. Six days after the 114,500 ton vessel struck a rock and capsized, hopes of finding anyone alive have all but faded and salvage experts are preparing to take over.
Sera Raju, corporate supervisor, Dubai-based Belhasa Business Travel said: “This disaster will definitely reduce the numbers taking a cruise package. I think for the next three months there will definitely be a drop in cruise sales as it will take some time for clients to be comfortable in even considering it as an option and as an ideal vacation.
| Advertisement |
“As of now the news is everywhere and everything is covered by the media in detail so clients will be hesitant. They all have the Titanic disaster images in their minds.”
January and February are known in the cruise industry as the ‘Wave Season’ and traditionally the busiest time for cruise bookings. But with shocking images of the capsized vessel being beamed around the world, the accident is expected to have an impact on cruise sales at least in the short term.
“There will be a short-term impact because the first quarter is known as the “Wave Period” for cruise bookings and some people especially first-timers may put off cruising in the short term,” said Ashok Kumar, managing director, cruise master, Middle East.
“Having said this, we have not registered any noticeable decline in demand. The strong growth in the cruise industry should help minimise any long-term impacts particularly since most travellers have short memories.”
Some expect cruise prices to dip in the wake of the accident as cruise lines launch offers to entice wary passengers back onboard.
“Perhaps in the short run there might be a slight drop in bookings especially during the off season. I think the drop will not be sustainable over the long run,” said Basel Abu Alrub, managing partner, UTravel.
Search our database of more than 2,700 industry companies
