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ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP) -- Utah travel experts say Japan's devastating earthquake and tsunami that killed thousands could have a spillover effect on the state's tourism industry.
The Utah travel industry has already begun to see cancellations in the wake of the twin natural disasters, The Spectrum of St. George reported.
Utah Office of Tourism and Film Director Leigh von der Esch said the state now anticipates a drop in the number of Japanese tourists this year, particularly to southern Utah's national parks.
Tourism office data shows about 40,000 Japanese travelers annually visit the state, spending between $15 million and $18 million
Previously, a 7 to 11 percent increase in the number of Japanese travelers had been projected.
"I think it's fair to say that will probably not happen," von der Esch said.
Japan is one of Utah's five major international tourism markets. Tourism office data shows about 40,000 Japanese travelers annually visit the state, spending between $15 million and $18 million.
Some southern Utah hotels are already seeing a decline or change in reservations. At Ruby's Inn in Bryce Canyon, hotel manager Lance Syrett said about 50 reservations have been canceled since the earthquake and tsunami.
Syrett said Japanese visitors represent about 7 to 8 percent of the hotel's annual business, but he does not expect the overseas tragedy to leave a lasting impact on the hotel's bookings this year.
Roxie Sherwin, director of the St. George area Convention and Tourism Office, said hotels in Washington County are also reporting cancellations. International travelers make up about 30 percent of Zion National Park visitors, she said.
"I'm sure that it will impact us somewhat," said Sherwin, who notes that restaurants and retailers may also be affected by any drop in tourist numbers.
It is possible that any drop in tourism may be temporary, however, said Osamu Hoshino, the Japanese market representative for the tourism office. Hoshino predicts most of the losses will be felt in March and April because Japanese travelers won't "feel like having a great time when their own people are suffering."
Hoshino said he believes many residents of Tokyo and other metropolitan areas might resume travel activity in May.
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(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
