Bedbugs scaring off NYC tourists

NEW YORK - October 25, 2010

That's causing fresh anxiety among tourists, and some are even canceling trips here.

Travelers planning vacations in the Big Apple say they are creeped out about staying in hotels and visiting attractions.

And officials in Mayor Michael Bloomberg's administration are concerned about the effect on the city's image and $30 billion tourism industry.

Some cases of bedbug sightings in high-profile places aren't in public areas. But that makes little difference to skittish visitors.

Several would-be tourists tracked down by The Associated Press say they canceled upcoming trips because of bedbug fears.

A Manhattan psychologist says more New Yorkers are anxious themselves.

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