Editorial: We've nothing to fear but fear itself

Is no place on Earth safe any more? If a tranquil island paradise such as Bali can become a target for terrorism, where can a tourist feel secure? And if airliners can become guided missiles in the hands of terrorists, how can tourists even begin to feel secure enough to travel? Within the space of 13 months, the comforting aura surrounding the airline industry, the very catalyst of mass tourism, has been shattered, as has the allure of one of the world's most exotic destinations.

Inevitably, the reaction to the latest murderous attack will be the cancelling of planned trips to destinations that could conceivably resemble a terrorist target. Some will even conclude that no tourist spot is immune, and stay very close to home. Fortunately they will not think that way for long, for to cower indefinitely before terrorists' aberrant violence is akin to surrender.

The pattern is clear enough. During the 1980s, the number of Americans visiting Britain rose and fell virtually at the whim of the Irish Republican Army. If a bomb exploded in London, there was bound to be a drop in incoming Americans the following summer.

British tourism bodies gnashed their teeth but could do little but bide their time. They knew the IRA would be forgotten soon enough if the bombing were not sustained. Pomp and pageantry would again prove irresistible. Perhaps the returning Americans exhibited an element of bravado; maybe they were simply forgetful. Either way, this was a fight the IRA could not win.

This year, the passage of time was, similarly, comforting to travel authorities - until the Bali bombings. They talked confidently of the way in which people were confronting the fears raised by the September 11 attacks on New York and Washington. Tourism in most parts of the world had been severely dented, but some predicted that within a year travel would again reach pre-September 11 levels. Those estimates will now be being revised. As will the list of countries regarded as safe.

New Zealand gained a bonus of sorts from September 11. Conde Nast Traveller and Wanderlust - two high-profile travel magazines - rated it as the world's safest destination. Good taste decreed there could be no crowing about this accolade and, besides, that picture could easily change overnight. As, indeed, might have happened, if only to a minor degree, because of this country's relative proximity to Bali. And add to that a growing recognition that the America's Cup regatta is an inviting target for terrorism. On the one hand, there is the symbolism of the event, on the other the presence in Auckland of some of the world's richest, most powerful men. We can no longer consider ourselves immune.

The reality is that nowhere in the world is safe - or at least nowhere that tourists would care to venture. Nonetheless, the chances of becoming a victim of such activity remain extremely slender. Such is the relative weakness of the Islamic fundamentalist movement, and other terrorist organisations, that their modus operandi must involve isolated attacks. A concerted campaign would involve resources beyond their disposal and heighten considerably the prospect of their own eradication. Their objective is to seek out targets that will provoke the greatest reaction.

The victims of the Bali bombings were, as has often been stated in the aftermath, simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. There was a randomness about their deaths, as there is about much of life. Action can be taken to limit the prospects of a recurrence.

Heightened security is one obvious deterrent as, individually, is strict adherence to Government warnings. But in reality terrorist attacks will continue to litter the landscape. Never, however, should we allow ourselves to be cowed by them. To do so would be to bow to the evil of terrorism.

Bali messages and latest information on New Zealanders
New Zealand travellers in Bali, and their families around the world, can exchange news via our Bali Messages page. The page also contains lists of New Zealanders in Bali and their condition.

Foreign Affairs advice to New Zealanders

* Travellers should defer travel to Bali

* NZers in Bali should keep a low profile and remain calm

* Foreign Affairs Hotline: 0800 432 111

Feature: Bali bomb blast

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