Ebola’s effect has spread across the whole of Africa, including to places where the disease does not exist.  In East Africa, specifically Tanzania and Kenya, resorts and game reserves have been struggling with cancellations.  The perception amongst tourists is that Ebola has spread across the whole of Africa, but this could not be further from the truth.  In fact, Tanzania and Kenya are both farther away from the heavily hit areas of west Africa than many parts of Europe.  According to the hotel association of Tanzania, bookings are down this year 30 to 40 percent.  There are few companies that can survive with nearly half of their business evaporating.  Kenya, who is already struggling with tourism due to recent terrorist attacks, has taken a hit from fear of Ebola.  Both of these cases show how delicate certain economies are.  With fewer visitors, there is a strong possibility many of these safari and resort operators will go out of business.  The effect continues to airlines and other tourist related businesses, which rely on tourists to fill their seats.  The main lesson companies can learn from Ebola is to diversify their business model.  The reason for this is, when events like Ebola occur, they will still be able to generate revenues through other ways, even after foreign tourist cancel.  Perhaps these companies can begin opening up to more local tourism.  For these Safari and resort operators, they can only hope the public discovers the truth of Ebola risk in Tanzania and Kenya.

Source: http://news.airwise.com/story/view/1414627096.html

Media Source: http://news.airwise.com/story/view/1414627096.html