HAGATNA, Guam (25 Sep 2001) -- Travellers face ticket surcharges of US$1.25 after aviation insurance underwriters increased premiums in the wake of the terrorist attacks in America. In Guam at least 25,000 Japanese tourists have cancelled trips to Guam since the terrorist attacks, and that number is expected to rise to 30,000 by the end of the month. About 100 Guam-based Continental Airlines flight attendants would be furloughed as of October 1. Guam's hotel occupancy is down to as low as 15 percent. In the Northern Marianas legislators are setting up a committee to plan how to avert a possible economic disaster brought on by any drop in tourist arrivals. | | In fallout around the region: Air New Zealand confirmed that all travellers would have the surcharge added to their fares from October 1. Qantas also announced the hike. New Zealand's three biggest travel insurers have scrapped policy clauses that let tourists claim compensation when airlines, hotels, bus firms and other providers go bust while they are on holiday. The moves come as insurance firms grapple with massive compensation claims from the suicide attacks involving jet airliners. US industry chiefs predict up to 100,000 job losses. Big airlines in Asia and Europe are cutting back services, and British Airways has confirmed the loss of 5200 more jobs. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
