Coronavirus: Tourism sector takes measures to cope with impact of outbreak

Hit by sharp falls in business, firms take steps such as cutting back on work hours

Thin crowds at Resorts World Sentosa last Friday. Labour costs, rent and campaigns to try and get more Singapore residents to visit local attractions are areas that business owners interviewed hope the Government can help with in today's Budget.
Thin crowds at Resorts World Sentosa last Friday. Labour costs, rent and campaigns to try and get more Singapore residents to visit local attractions are areas that business owners interviewed hope the Government can help with in today's Budget. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
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Fallout from the deadly coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan has hit the tourism industry in Singapore, with companies in the sector implementing coping measures ranging from shorter working hours for staff to having employees clear leave during the lull.

Travel agencies and tourist sites here are recording sharp falls in business as the impact of the virus outbreak that started in China ripples globally. The coronavirus has killed more than 1,700 people and infected over 71,000.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 18, 2020, with the headline Coronavirus: Tourism sector takes measures to cope with impact of outbreak. Subscribe