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Egypt terror attack: AITO responds
Holidaymakers are becoming less influenced by terrorist ‘sensationalism’ and media coverage, according to AITO chairman Derek Moore.
Speaking after an attack on a tour bus in Egypt, which injured 17 tourists, Moore said the travelling public has become more aware of the statistically very low chances of being involved in such an incident.
Meanwhile, the destinations affected have become quicker at getting their tourism back on its feet following such attacks.
"We are so very sorry to hear the latest news from Egypt – both for the millions of Egyptians whose livelihoods depend so heavily on tourism and also, of course, for the South African visitors caught up in this attack," said Moore.
"There is no doubt that it’s a setback for Egypt, just as things seemed to be settling down somewhat – but it’s important to remember that this attack is in an area that represents but a small section of the enormous range of cultural treasures and sites of what is a large country.
"Terrorism is something that we’ve all lived with for a long time now, unfortunately – at home and when travelling abroad."
Moore said in the last year there have been terrorist attacks in tourist destinations such as Indonesia, Belgium, Jordan, Holland, Egypt, Australia, Morocco, Kenya, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
"Unless there is a subsequent FCO Travel advice warning against ‘all but non-essential travel’, by and large – in AITO’s experience, as well as across the wider travel industry – these destinations have bounced back remarkably quickly.
"The truth is, we think, that the public has become more aware of the statistically very low chances of being involved in such an incident, and less guided by terrorist sensationalism and wall-to-wall media coverage.
"Personally, I am confident that the Egyptian authorities are doing everything they can to minimise the chance of any repeat incidents; they understand, of course, the vital need to give confidence both to visitors and to the Governments of those countries from which tourists travel to visit Egypt."
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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