Tourists urged not avoid Sydney during APEC

Australia's peak accommodation body is pleading with tourists not to avoid Sydney while world leaders visit for next month's APEC summit. Contrary to initial forecasts, the city's hotels will not be booked out during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings and the industry is hoping to avoid a period of low income. "There is a growing perception that visitors from interstate or overseas should avoid Sydney when APEC is on," Australian Hotels Association manager Hamish Arthur said.