‘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
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements