INTERNATIONAL travel bookings have taken a hit from the coronavirus, with older people most likely to change their plans.
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italktravel Horsham owner manager Anne Taylor said younger travellers were more likely to stick with their plans, unless it was a virus affected country, while older people had been concerned about travel.
"There have been lots of enquiries from our clients and we have been supporting them with their plans to make the most informed decisions," she said.
"Young people have been less worried about the virus and more worried about getting quarantined.
"Some have work or school commitments and can't afford to take extra time off on top of their holiday."
Ms Taylor said people concerned about their plans should delay making a decision as long as possible to save on cancellation costs.
"If people have just paid a deposit they might be able to get it back or use it on a different trip," she said.
The "hot" destinations were Australian tour locations, New Zealand and some of the Pacific Islands, according to Ms Taylor.
It will probably be six months before international travel picks up again
- - Anne Taylor, Horsham italktravel owner manager
"Cruises from Australia are still operating as normal, while some ships are being relocated here from Asia," she said.
Ms Taylor said there had been a bit of a drop in bookings compared to what would normally be a busy time.
"It will probably be six months before international travel picks up again," she said.
Grampians 'strong' after long weekend
Grampians Tourism chief executive Marc Sleeman said there was an "unprecedented" number of visitors to the Grampians during the Labour Day long weekend and bookings were "strong" for Easter.
"Lots of retailers, like Rock Paper Scissors Brew Co had their second biggest takings ever at the weekend," he said.
Mr Sleeman said while there was some uncertainty in the global travel market due to the coronavirus, the park received a broad spectrum of visitors.
"We don't rely too much on international (tourists)," he said. "90 per cent of visitor numbers are domestic.
"Melburnians know we are a safe destination and the numbers are up."
Mr Sleeman said the Grampians were "positioned really well" for the Easter holiday period in April.
"Stawell Gift funding should help as well," he said. "We should see a few good months."
In terms of the risk to visitors and small businesses from the virus, Mr Sleeman said he was monitoring the situation and would meet with local government partners soon.
"We postponed our tourism conference until October to be on the safe side," he said. "The whole country will take a significant impact from the drop in international visitors."