The leisure industry has felt the immediate impact of the disaster in the US.

Shares in hotels, travel and leisure companies dropped as fears emerged that US tourists would cut their travel plans.

Airlines are expected to be worst affected by yesterday's events as transatlantic flights were cancelled and passenger numbers predicted to drop. British Airways experienced a 6 per cent drop in its shares on top of yesterday's 21 per cent drop.

Meanwhile, concerns are emerging for the rest of the leisure industry which is likely to hit almost immediately if American tourists abandon their international travel plans. Shares in Hilton dropped 47p to 179p and Six Continentals, formerly the Bass Group, says its shared drop 105p to 606.5p.