‘Danger of terror attacks on travel growing’
The travel industry continues to be a prime target for terrorist attacks – and the dangers it faces are growing every year.
The sombre message to trade leaders at World Travel Market came from expert Dr Marvin Cetron, president of Forecasting International.
He said: “In the last half of 2005 especially, there was a big shift among terrorists in targeting the soft, vulnerable travel industry.
“Terrorism is a risk for travel businesses that can only continue to grow in the years ahead.”
Hotels and transportation systems, especially airlines and trains, are specific targets, Cetron added.
Cruise lines also face a growing problem of terrorism in the Indian Ocean, a hazard that could spread to other regions.
“This will continue to worry cruise lines for years to come,” said Cetron.
And he admitted that significant changes to security measures taken by tourist destinations have been rare following the 9/11 attacks.
Cetron said: “None could be eager to do anything that would discourage trade or harm a relaxed, accommodating atmosphere.
“Many destinations are also burdened by a high turnover rate among unskilled, low-wage workers, many of them immigrants whose backgrounds are difficult to confirm.
“Few terrorist schemes could be easier than planting a bomb in a travel destination or contaminating food in a restaurant favoured by tourists.”
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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