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Rome hoteliers are anticipating cancellations for the upcoming Easter holiday in wake of Tuesday's terrorist attacks in Brussels that killed 34 people and injured more than 200 others.
The Local reported that Easter hotel room bookings in the Italian capital are already down five percent from the same period last year.
In addition to Tuesday's attacks, the U.S. State Department has issued a travel alert warning of potential threats to travelers in Europe. "Terrorist groups continue to plan near-term attacks throughout Europe, targeting sporting events, tourist sites, restaurants, and transportation," the U.S. State Department warned.
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With Americans accounting for more than one-fifth of Rome's overseas visitors, local hoteliers are preparing for cancellations ahead of Easter weekend.
"We haven't yet had any cancellations because of the Brussels attacks, but we'll see what happens over the next few days," Hotel Trevi's manager told the Local. "Easter bookings have been low, especially when compared to last year. With the threat of an attack being high, it's the long-term we worry about."
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Hotels in Rome are basing their expectations on the aftermath of last year's attacks in Paris, which spurred a 20 percent jump in room cancellations.
Director of hotel association Federalberghi's Rome unit Tommasso Tanzilli told the Local the State Department travel alert would have a definite impact on tourism to Rome given that "North Americans are always present in cities of art."
Italy has raised its security level following Tuesday's attacks, stepping up security at airports and other travel hubs and tourist attractions acround the country.
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