Following the security alerts of 10 August and the heightened state of general security put in place at UK airports as a result, VisitBritain has been monitoring the effects on inbound tourism to Britain in key markets around the world.   The information is based upon reports received from our offices in 36 international locations.  The following is a synopsis of feedback received to 23 August, updating our previous comprehensive market-by-market summary of 15 August.

Generally, global media coverage of the alerts of 10 August and their aftermath has dramatically reduced and prime air time is now devoted to other international stories in all markets.  Positive messages about the return to normal operations at London Heathrow have been broadcast in many countries, although the previous negative coverage has left a strong impression on customer perceptions.  This has been amplified by anecdotal references from returning international passengers who have personally experienced the effects of delays and cancellations in recent days. For the most part, concern continues to focus on the inconvenience of potential disruption to itineraries caused by security measures rather than the threat of terrorist activity itself.

In the USA, there is a negative tone to the coverage of Britain’s handling of airport security.  The travel trade continues to report that cancellations have been minimal and whilst the majority of respondents have not felt a major negative effect on forward bookings, at least one key carrier is concerned about the level of forward bookings.  Visits to the US edition site of visitbritain.com are in line with seasonal trends and the majority of callers to the VisitBritain Contact Centre are planning Christmas breaks and holiday visits for 2007.  Some customers are seeking reassurance about travel.

Some long haul markets continue to report increased levels of sensitivity, and specific reports from India, Japan, and Malaysia reflect this.  In Japan, there have been some cancellations among school parties but resilience within the August families market, according to key industry players.  Concern caused by media coverage of lost baggage is causing one major Japanese operator to consider routing passengers over European capitals into UK regional airports in order to avoid London Heathrow.

In European markets, still in peak holiday season, customer reaction has not been pronounced and attitudes have returned to normal.  Media coverage has subsided or concentrates on specific aspects of the story, e.g. the charging of terrorist suspects and Heathrow’s return to normal operations.  There is some concern that the net effect of the events will erode the image of London.

It remains too early to calculate the overall effect of the security alerts on the UK’s inbound visitor economy but we will continue to monitor the situation through our overseas offices and by means of our brand tracking and other research surveys.   We welcome feedback and intelligence from our tourism partners, please email industry.relations@visitbritain.com to share it with us.  

Updated:  Wednesday 23 August 5 pm