Queenstown's tourism could take a hit as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.. Photo: Getty Images/FileThe deadly coronavirus outbreak has come at the worst possible time for tourism operators in the middle of summer and the Chinese New Year, Queenstown's mayor says. Tourism operators are already reporting cancellations as China suspends overseas and domestic group tours as the outbreak worsens. "The timing couldn't be worse because this is probably the biggest week of the industry with Chinese New Year. Boult said whatever effect it had on the country's tourism industry, it would cope. "I've been involved in the tourism industry for close to 40 years," Boult said.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 26, 2020 18:33 UTC