“Whether it be Disney World, whether it be
other destination, whether it be cruise ships...
those most at risk are seniors with serious or
chronic underlying health conditions.”
“Otherwise Americans can confidently travel
in this country,” Pence said at a meeting with
cruise industry officials in Fort Lauderdale.
Still, as COVID-19 concerns multiply, the issue
weighs heavily in the tourism industry.
“There is definitely concern. Particularly how
and when it could manifest itself in the U.S.,”
said Dennis Speigel, president of International
Theme Park Services Inc., an independent
industry consultant.
He’s been watching the spread of the
coronavirus for weeks, as theme parks in Asia
have closed. He estimated the temporary
closure of Disney parks in Shanghai and Hong
Kong will cost the company anywhere from
$175 million to $300 million dollars.
Coronavirus concerns have impacted the
state’s cruise industry and convention
business, but the theme parks have been
spared so far, although that could change at
any moment.
Orlando is the nation’s most visited tourist
destination, bringing vast numbers of people
from around the globe to its major theme
parks, which also include Universal Orlando
and SeaWorld Orlando. The city attracted 75
million visitors in 2018.
The city was at least 65 miles (105 kilometers)
from the nearest person testing positive
for coronavirus.