The organisers of the Mobile World Conference (MWC) - GSMA - said it was cancelling its annual jamboree in Barcelona because of fears about the spread of the re-named corona virus.

That followed the withdrawal of loads of big names from the conference. 

The GSMA said in a carefully prepared statement: 

"With due regard to the safe and healthy environment in Barcelona and the host country today, the GSMA has cancelled MWC Barcelona 2020 because the global concern regarding the coronavirus outbreak, travel concern and other circumstances, make it impossible for the GSMA to hold the event.

"The Host City Parties respect and understand this decision.

"The GSMA and the Host City Parties will continue to be working in unison and supporting each other for MWC Barcelona 2021 and future editions."

There will be untold costs here, in terms of bookings, flights and the rest.  Presumably the industry giants won't have a problem with the costs, in terms of insurance, and the like. It will be the little firms that will suffer.  And the hoteliers. And the restaurants. And the taxi drivers. And the airlines. The hoteliers deserve to suffer, but it will make it much cheaper for holiday makers who want to spend February in Barcelona without huge charges.