Global Arab Network | Kuwait - Swine flu results in local tourism boom

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Kuwait - Swine flu results in local tourism boom

Global Arab Network - - George Haddad

Thursday, 17 September 2009 15:27

The Health Ministry announced on Thursday that 287 new swine flu cases were reported this week, most of which were light and did not require hospitalisation. Ministry Spokesman Dr. Qais Al-Duwairi told KUNA that the total number of swine flu cases recorded in Kuwait since April now stood at 2,444, adding that most cases had completely recovered. The recovery rate is at 99 percent to date, and the situation does not call for concern, as it is consistent with the trends worldwide, he said.

Al-Duwairi noted that the ministry was strictly abiding by the instructions of the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding this matter, in order to prevent the spread of this virus.

The spokesman advised people to constantly wash hands, cover nose and mouth when sneezing, and to visit a doctor immediately and avoid unnecessary contact with others as soon as symptoms are felt.
Vaccines that were ordered by the Health Ministry are expected to arrive in Kuwait in the next few weeks, he added.

Mentioning the word "swine flu" might result in utter horror, but for the local tourism scene the word had become synonymous with profit.

Hotel and resort promoters experienced the reservations reaching around 85 percent with expectations that the percentage might increase to 90 and 100 percents during Eid Al-Fitr.

Rolla Qassem, a marketing and public relation manager at a local resort, said that the panic from swine flu led Kuwaitis to opt for domestic tourism during the nine days of Eid.

On his part, citizen Ali Al-Ghareeb affirmed that he preferred domestic tourism for several reasons, mainly the spread of the H1N1 virus.

Al-Ghareeb added that local hotels and resorts had good offers for Eid and that is why he decided to spend the holiday in Kuwait. (Kuna)

Global Arab Network

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