Terrorism Poses Major Threat to World Travel Industry

For the global tourism industry the critical point of last month´s alleged abortive airline bomb plot was that a terrorist atrocity did not occur and due to the vigilance of police and security services in the UK, Pakistan, Italy and other countries the alleged plot was foiled.

While some people may be deterred from flying as a consequence of the media frenzy following revelations about the alleged plot, the more positive message is that counter-terrorist security measures are working and there is good reason to be confident about flying on commercial airlines.

The tourism industry should not treat the aborted bomb plot as a crisis event but as an opportunity to promote international air travel as a safe way to travel.

Certainly, informal surveys conducted by media outlets suggest that most people intend to continue flying, This is positive evidence that most travelers are have avoided the temptation to fall victim to media sensationalism.

The event is also is a wakeup call for other forms of travel and other segments of the tourism industry. Do the operators of cruise lines, international ferry boats, international trains and coach operators match the safety and security standards of the airlines and

international airports?

The answer is no. In the current climate any means of international travel is a potential terrorist target. Criminals, whether they are terrorists or common thieves will exploit security loopholes.

The tourism industry has every right to feel a sense of relief that this alleged plot appears to have been averted, but we clearly cannot afford to drop our collective guard.

Certainly all parts of the tourism industry need to ensure they have contingency plans in place for any of the potential and actual security threats they may encounter.

Terrorism is an enemy of tourism because attacks on tourists generate massive international publicity, cannon fodder for terrorist organizations and cells.

Tourism professionals and the tourism and hospitality industry have to remain on the lookout, constantly upgrading security procedures. Tourism is by and large a prime terrorist target.