South Korea tourism unaffected by MERS; Quality Assurance Association more concerned about mainland outbreak

▲ MERS, 3D rendering of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome virus. (Image/Scinceside CC3.0)

Reported by Chen Jui-chung / Taipei

Regarding the MERS outbreak in South Korea, Lin Ying-ming, convener of the Travel Dispute Mediation Committee under the Republic of China Tourism Quality Assurance Association (TQAA), stated that neither the WHO nor the Centers for Disease Control has raised South Korea’s epidemic alert level. Moreover, most travelers to Korea now have a basic understanding of preventive measures. As a result, there has been no decline in the number of Taiwanese tourists visiting South Korea, nor has there been a wave of tour group cancellations.

However, Lin also pointed out that beyond the local epidemic situation,the 10th case of MERS—transmitted from South Korea to China—is a key issue that requires ongoing monitoring.In the future, the TQAA, along with the Tourism Bureau and the Centers for Disease Control, will continue to stay vigilant to ensure the safety and health of travelers visiting both South Korea and China.