Foreign Office advice needs to be clearer: Comment by J.Skidmore
The Foreign Office has lifted its travel advisory against Kenya.
That’s the good news. But if you look at the new posting, it talks of a high threat of global terrorism and warns people in public places to be vigilant.
That’s hardly going to reassure your average holidaymaker, particularly the elderly or those of a nervous disposition.
This current directive means operators can freely go back to the country, but holidaymakers may not want to buy their trips.
How can we expect people to be vigilant at tourist sites, be aware of global terrorism and still enjoy their holiday?
It’s time the Foreign Office guidelines were simpler and less ambigious. Why not say that it believes the recent threat of terrorism has gone and people are now free to travel to Kenya?
No-one can predict if and when something will happen in the future and, unless they have specific intelligence about a possible attack, the Foreign Office will not be called to account if something dreadful occurs in Kenya or anywhere else over the next few months.
At the moment, we’re left with advice that falls inbetween two stools and does little to reassure travellers.
See today’s story:
The TravelMole Interview: Nigel Vere Nicoll, chief executive, ATTA
Read previous comments by Jeremy:
01-July-2003 Expect more long-haul consolidation: Comment by J.Skidmore
27-June-2003 Holidaymakers must help themselves: Comment by J.Skidmore
27-June-2003 Forget service, price is king: Comment by Jeremy Skidmore
20-June-2003 Survey must shock industry into action: Comment by J.Skidmore
13-June-2003 Agents need to raise their game on insurance: Comment by J.Skidmore
06-June-2003 Keep terror alerts in perspective: Comment by J. Skidmore
30-May-2003 Packages must be competitive: Comment by J.Skidmore
30-May-2003 Government must improve communication: Comment by J.Skidmore
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