The health of New Yorkers was not affected by the Chinese coronavirus, but the economy was shaken

Due to the spread of the coronavirus, America is virtually closed to the Chinese. Thus, a deadly virus threatens one of the largest industries - tourism. The edition writes about it New York Post.

Situation to date

The coronavirus, which was first discovered in Wuhan less than two months ago, has since killed 1400 people. In the city of New York to date, not a single case of infection has been recorded, but despite this, the local economy is experiencing certain difficulties associated with the virus.

With much of the Chinese manufacturing workforce receded into the background, the American auto industry is unable to obtain the imported parts needed to make cars here. In addition, many Chinese factories that make iPhones have been closed for several weeks. "New York does not make cars and we already have enough phones, but the state's economy has also been hit by the effects of the virus," the statement said.

The effect of the virus on tourism

One of the most lucrative sources of external income for the local economy is tourists from China who do not currently visit the Empire State. "Foreign nationals who have visited China in the past 14 days cannot enter the United States," the White House said in a statement. That is, this applies to almost all Chinese. Airlines have canceled almost all flights indefinitely.

Tourists from China have always been private visitors to New York. They mostly traveled in groups. Last year, New York received about 67 million travelers, of which almost 14 million were from overseas.

Tourism supports about 400 thousand jobs in the city of New York. In comparison, the financial industry supports 500 thousand jobs. Tourism also pours $ 5 billion into the city treasury annually.

Despite the fact that world tourists make up only 21% of the total, they account for almost half of the nearly $ 50 billion that tourists spend annually in the Big Apple. On a par with Great Britain, China sends the largest number of visitors to New York.

"China remains the leader in spending per person on each trip," NYC & Co. said last year. According to research firm Tourism Economics, when visiting the US, Chinese spend $ 6500 per person.

So far, New York as a whole does not experience serious consequences, because January and February, one way or another, these are the worst months for tourism. According to hotel data collection company STR, hotel occupancy and room rates are approximately equal to last year.

Risks

But if the virus continues to spread, New York will feel it. According to Tourism Economics, if coronavirus affects travel just like the SARS virus 17 years ago, a nearly 30 percent reduction in visits from China could occur in the United States. Moreover, the greatest influence on him will have Los Angeles and New York.

Broadway may already be feeling the effects of the spread of the virus. In the first week of February, 239 people attended the show, up from 713 last year. Nearly 249% of Broadway visitors in the past year came from overseas, which is "the highest number of visits from outside the US in history," notes the Broadway League. MoMA, Metropolitan, Hudson Yards luxury stores all also rely on Chinese tourists to spend money there.

On the subject: Chinese epidemic threatens New York: doctor's opinion

The city's Sino-American communities are also suffering from the effects of the coronavirus. Thus, in Flushing, business fell by 40%. “Chinese guests love to buy things,” says local councilor Peter Ku. "Besides, tourists, students cannot come ... They come here to meet, eat, go to karaoke."

The point is not only that the Chinese guests are “cut off” from the Big Apple, but also that New Yorkers may be frightened by their visits. To date, not a single case of coronavirus has been reported in New York.

However, New Yorkers themselves can support local businessmen by visiting nearby cities when there are far fewer tourists than usual. So, entrepreneur Ku invites New Yorkers to come to Flushing and take advantage of a small number of tourists to go shopping and visit local establishments.

Meanwhile, the state's less crowded streets - from Flushing to Midtown - are a grim reminder that even in an era of trade wars and nationalism, the global urban economy still depends on the free movement of goods and people.