BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - Concerns about coronavirus isn't having much of an impact on local tourism overseas.
AAA of Western and Central New York's Elizabeth Carey said there hasn't been major cancellations and is urging anyone planning to travel to monitor recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC recommends travelers avoid all nonessential travel to China.
READ MORE: CDC recommendations on travel to China
Chinese officials have closed travel in and out of Wuham and other cities inn Hubei province, including buses, subways, trains, and the international airport. Older adults and people with underlying health conditions may be at an increased risk for severe disease. Hundreds of people have already died because of the virus.
"We did have one group that was traveling out of Toronto and they were going down to Florida," Carey said. "They were afraid to go into the Toronto Airport because they thought they might get sick there. They didn't have travel insurance purchased for the trip so they would have lost the money if they didn't go. We're reminding people to get that travel insurance so you can protect your investment in case you cancel."
Coronavirus has resulted in cancellations of cruise lines to and from China. Passengers are some cruise lines are also under quarantine while the outbreak takes place.
Carey said the travel industry has historically been impacted by diseases such as SARS.