THE political exchanges between South and North Korea, as well as the H7N9 bird flu strain discovered in China have spooked clients into rethinking travel plans, according to some business event organisers in Singapore and Malaysia.

Selangor-based MICE Hubs Travel and Tours’ managing director, Konrad Ong, said a number of incentive clients had recently asked to cancel or postpone their programmes to China.

“As for South Korea, it has become a rather difficult destination to sell ever since North Korea started making nuclear threats. The decline in interest in South Korea is matched by a rise in demand for Japan, which I believe is also caused by the weakening Japanese yen,” Ong said, adding that a 12-pax incentive group has been secured for Kyoto this August.

Clients behind a 5,000-pax event, which would take place in Shanghai late-September, were also in a “state of panic over risk management”, said Felicia Teng, general manager of The Meeting Lab Singapore, who noted that insurance coverage of the event and attendees was one area of concern.

“Because of the scale of the event, many commitments have already been made and it is too late to make changes to the programme now. We are holding an international meeting in April and May to get everyone’s feedback on the extent of risk we should take,” Teng said.

Daniel Chua, owner of Aonia Singapore pointed out that business event clients were especially sensitive to security issues and would “generally avoid sources of potential conflict”.

“I’ve just been called to a meeting over a business event that is supposed to take place in Seoul on June 8 and 9. Clients are rethinking it now and they must decide soon,” Chua said.

Meanwhile, International SOS has issued a statement on the bird flu outbreak in China, declaring that “there is little risk to people residing in or travelling to China” and that there is “no need to alter travel plans if appropriate precautions are taken”.

Mick Sharp, regional security director, Asia Pacific for Travel Security Services, a joint venture between International SOS and Control Risks, also told TTGmice e-Weekly: “As of now, travel to South Korea can continue, and there is no requirement for those in the country to evacuate. However, travellers should closely monitor developments and seek itinerary-specific advice prior to their visit, and register with their embassy during their stay. Companies should continue to ensure that their crisis management plans remain up-to-date and effective.”