Keep terror alerts in perspective: Comment by J. Skidmore
Are we moving into an era where people are increasingly scared to travel abroad?
Will we look back on the 80s and 90s as a golden era of travel, when we could fly across the world without a care in the world?
It would certainly seem that way at the moment. Almost half the world has some sort of travel advisory pinned to it.
But, thankfully, the British are a hardy lot and will continue travelling. All the trade can do is to continue to point out the benefits of taking a holiday.
Unfortunately, it cannot have a campaign guaranteeing safety on holiday because that would be tempting fate. And no one can really protect against an individual who is prepared to kill him or herself for their cause.
But you can’t guarantee safety crossing a road – something that is statistically far more dangerous than getting on an aircraft.
Travel agents can only assure their clients that security is tighter than it has ever been. And, as James Smithner, from Control Risks Group, says, keep things in perspective. You are far more likely to be mugged on holiday than be caught up in terrorism.
Most people would be better off making sure their wallet isn’t sticking out of their back pocket of their holiday shorts rather than fretting over getting on a flight.
Read previous comments by Jeremy:
30-May-2003 Packages must be competitive: Comment by J.Skidmore
30-May-2003 Government must improve communication: Comment by J.Skidmore
23-May-2003 Business agents so grateful for fees: Comment by J.Skidmore
16-May-2003 Bookings back – at a price: Comment by J.Skidmore
09-May-2003 War of words is healthy: Comment by Jeremy Skidmore
02-May-2003 Management must share the pain: Comment by Jeremy Skidmore
25-April-2003 Home workers no longer the poor relations
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