When the Nice tragedy was unfolding I was returning to the UK from France. And sad. There is nowhere safe from murderers cloaking themselves as fundamentalists.
There can be no winners and only losers as a consequence of these extreme actions.
Safely home it’s time to reflect on impacts on Tourism.
Years ago in the wake of 9/11 I wrote that human beings become immune to terrorism. I also predicted that the attacks in New York would make peripheral regions of the world more attractive, as these would be seen as relatively safe. That was before the attack on Glasgow airport proved me wrong. Not for the first time.
Now, in the wake of terrorism in Germany and France do you, for example, still use the Underground in London? Do you fly without checking to see if there’s an Air Marshall on board?
This time I’m not making any predictions. Bit we’d be happy to hear your views and if you’ve changed your travel plans. Is your personal security curtailing your travel plans, or do you feel the threat is so low it’s not a consideration.
I can report that Tourism is in a time of change. Economic consequences of the Brexit vote has spread that deadly financial contagion …uncertainty.
A tough time for out low cost carriers too, who buy their go-juice in $. Expect poor trading results from EasyJet et al. UK holiday makers are getting a poor deal on their £ in exchange for euros and dollars, I know my trips have been more expensive that I budgeted for.
The silver lining? The staycation is better value. Also UK holiday operators should have a boost as we are now a cheaper destination than we were.
Travel safely.
Bio: Andrew Martin
Andrew Martin has worked for two UK national companies, and was Swallow Hotels youngest ever General Manager. He went on to hold the post of Hotel General Manager in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Preston.
During his hotel career Andrew specialised in HR (personnel related issues) and Marketing.
After joining the Robert Gordon University Andrew was appointed Director of the Scottish Centre of Tourism, and has undertaken research in diverse areas like peripheral tourism, skills gaps in the hotel industry and Whisky tourism.
Andrew has advised the Scottish government on Tourism matters, including a competitive strategy of VisitScotland. He has addressed the recent Parliamentary Committee Enquiry into Tourism.
