The following assessment of the impact on travel to Britain from around the world to the events of 10 August is based upon reports received from VisitBritain’s offices in 36 overseas markets at the end of business on 14 August, 2006.  The material is anecdotal rather than empirical.  Reports are a snapshot of opinion on the date in question.  The situation is an evolving one, and media coverage and reactions to it are likely to change.

General Overview

• The overall impression in overseas markets is of minimal cancellations given the scale of the alert of Thursday 10 August.  However, it is still too early to predict the effects on forward bookings.  
• The events of 10 August are no longer front page news and the story is progressively moving to a lower priority in print, on-line and TV media around the world.
• Consumer reaction varies according to the maturity of the market, its own experience of security issues and geo-political factors.  Often the primary focus of concern is not the terrorist threat itself but the impact of heightened security on travel arrangements.
• Consumer enquiries to VisitBritain are often seeking reassurance and information.  Overall enquiry volumes remain at the same levels as before (including web). 

Market by Market Reports

Australia:    The travel trade has not reported cancellations as a direct consequence of the security alerts.  There is little media speculation on a downturn in travel to the UK although it has been suggested that fewer travellers will choose London as first ‘port of call’ in the medium term.  Travel trade media is focusing on the practicalities of business travellers and small families travelling without hand luggage.  Difficult to assess or predict the impact on travel since bookings are made so far in advance.

Brazil:  National events and the ceasefire in Lebanon have taken the place of the security alerts at UK airports in the news headlines.  However, John Reid’s interview at the weekend with the BBC was widely reported and a ‘don’t travel to London unless necessary’ quote picked up.  Customer enquiries tend to focus on the safety of international travel overall, rather than the UK specifically.  On-line travel providers report weak sales to international destinations outside South America.

France:  Some cancellations reported by tour operators.  The impact of the heightened security measures at UK airports has been limited since many French visitors travel via Eurostar.

Germany:  Extensive media coverage of chaos at London Heathrow is considered likely to have a negative impact on traffic flows in the short term. 

Ireland:  Consumers have retained a positive attitude.  Media reports show people are determined to travel and are understanding about the security arrangements.  VFR and business traffic likely to be unaffected.

Italy:  Media reporting has been honest, objective and realistic.  Most enquiries to VisitBritain have been about flight cancellations and potential refunds.  No cancellations reported by the trade.

Japan:  Overwhelmingly negative and sensationalized media coverage on the inconvenience at UK airports owing to restrictions on hand luggage, but also focusing on security in the UK and the threat of further terrorist action instigated by ‘British-born Muslim fanatics’.  Media coverage was especially extensive on Friday 11 August since this is the peak day of the Japanese summer holiday and domestic news was minimal.  Coverage has subsided since as other news stories have developed.  No reports of immediate cancellations, however consumer attitudes are not positive toward travel to the UK.

Malaysia:  A cautious attitude prevails amongst leisure travellers with many consumers still monitoring the situation before deciding to travel.  Many are put off by the inconvenience of security measures including restrictions on hand luggage and screening at airports.  Business traffic remains normal, however.  Some concern amongst Muslim travellers about issues with Immigration at UK airports.  Alternative European hubs such as Paris, Amsterdam and Vienna are taking business from London.

Netherlands:  Consumer attitudes remain favourable towards travel to the UK with more concern about the inconvenience caused by delays and disruptions than the threat of a terrorist incident.

Russia:  Some concern expressed by parents of students currently studying in the UK

Spain:  Enquirers to VisitBritain have been primarily concerned about the possibility of cancelled flights.  Consumers generally appreciate the need for tightened security procedures which they view as reassuring.

Sweden:  Consumer attitude back to normal with some concerns over delays.  Travel agent enquiries to VisitBritain concerning the situation at UK airports ceased 2 days after the security alerts.  It is too early to assess the impact on forward bookings.

United Arab Emirates:  Travel agents and tour operators are reporting few cancellations and flights to London generally overbooked (it is peak season).  Reports of consumers postponing travel arrangements in order to avoid inconveniences and delays at Heathrow.  General acceptance that security measures were put in place for travellers’ own safety.

USA:   Media coverage now reporting that hand luggage restrictions are easing and delays are not as bad.  However, disruption at London Heathrow still being depicted with reports showing cancelled flights and some implying that airport authorities are unable to manage the security measures.  The trade reports a ‘wait and see’ attitude with cancellations much lower than might be expected.  Tour operators report a run of enquiries seeking confirmation that travel itineraries are running as scheduled.  

Consumer enquiries to VisitBritain have remained at seasonal levels with no decline after 10 August.  Some enquirers are seeking reassurance about their travel plans.  Web traffic remains healthy with customers searching the regions of Britain and not only London.  

It is generally recognized as too early to determine the long-term impact or the effects on forward bookings.

VisitBritain will continue to monitor reactions in overseas markets following the security alerts and we will update these pages when significant new information becomes available.  If members of the tourism industry would like to share their experiences with us, or comment on the reports, please send your message to industry.relations@visitbritain.org

Updated:  Tuesday 15 August 5 pm