Tour operators say Zika could be bad for Olympics business

Tour operators say Zika could be bad for Olympics business

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — If the Zika virus — or fear of it — keeps spreading, the head of a sports travel agency handling tour packages for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics fears for her business.

Hundreds of thousands of foreign visitors are expected for the Olympics in August, and there are concerns that some may stay away, frightened off by the mosquito-borne virus that is being linked to birth defects.

There has been a "very small decrease" in foreign tourists, the Brazilian tourist board said this week, though world health authorities have no restrictions on travel to the country.

Roush said the Los Angeles-based agency expected to take between 1,500-2,000 visitors to the Olympics, providing hospitality packages that can include tickets, accommodations, ground transportation, and translators.

Stengele said Olympic travelers were typically families — unlike for Brazil's male-dominated 2014 World Cup — who are sensitive to reports that visitors to Zika-infested areas might bring the virus home.

CoSport President Robert F. Long referred inquiries to the local Rio organizing committee, which has nothing to do with non-domestic ticket sales.

Airbnb, which is the official "alternative accommodation" sponsor for the Olympics, said pregnant women — and women trying to become pregnant — could get refunds on reservations.