HONG KONG: Secretary for Food and Health York Chow tried to reassure travellers yesterday, in the hope of breathing some life into the tourist industry, which has been staggered by the economic crisis and more recently the A (H1N1) influenza scare. Chow observed the Hong Kong tourist industry has suffered a shattering blow and now it's time to mitigate the effects.

The health chief made his comments as he met with representatives from the tourism sector yesterday to discuss the impact of A (H1N1) influenza on the city's tourism industry.

He reminded travelers that although the number of confirmed cases appears to be climbing globally, experience thus far indicates the virus is relatively mild.

People can and should resume their normal traveling habits, he said. Those suffering chronic illnesses or weakened immunity should refrain from traveling extensively.

Asked if the government would consider lowering the city's alert level on grounds that the flu is relatively "mild", Chow answered it is hard to predict if or when a major outbreak could occur. He added that health officials are bunkered down for a long siege.

Ronnie Ho Pak-ting, chairman of the Hong Kong Travel Industry Council, said the important thing now is to restore the confidence of travelers. There is no reason people should refrain from participating in travel tours.

Hong Kong Tourism Board Executive Director Anthony Lau said that the board will update overseas offices and websites on the status of the flu situation in Hong Kong.

(HK Edition 05/22/2009 page1)