Oxford's special relationship with American visitors - both students and tourists - may be put in jeopardy by last week's devastating events across the Atlantic.

While the city's tourism and business community both agreed it was "too early yet" to judge the long-term impact of the terrorist attacks on September 11, they hoped Oxford's position on the tourist trail would not suffer.

But hotels and other services in the tourist industry in west Oxfordshire are becoming anxious about the effect of the attacks, particularly following the effect on trade caused by the food and mouth restrictions.

James Stewart, manager of the Randolph Hotel - traditionally popular with visiting Americans - said he hoped Oxford would not feel the same loss of custom as places like Stratford-upon-Avon, Bath and Edinburgh because of its more cosmopolitan market.

However, he warned the long-term effects would depend on the type and length of campaign waged against 'international terrorism' by the Bush administration.

Mr Stewart, who also heads the tourist group on the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, added: "We had cancellations on the day of the disaster but we're fortunate that the UK has held up, and what was cancelled has been replaced.

"The tourism market ends in October and we're fortunate this didn't come at the beginning of the season. But if it is a long campaign, I think a lot of Americans will be staying at home next year."

Jan Hull, the city council's tourism manager, said: "Long-term we're likely to see the effects. Fewer flights, and higher prices will have an effect on British tourism."