Tourists take fright after World Trade Center terror

For the traveller, the world will never be the same again after last week's scenes in New York and Washington DC, the horror of which was shared by New Zealand's travel industry.

Within the next few weeks the airlines and other tourism businesses will assess the long-term effects on the psyches of travellers and holidaymakers.

If the effect of the Gulf War a decade ago is any kind of guide, American travellers will be the first to curtail their international trips.

Even before the tragic events, the US State Department's website was running a warning to its citizens about the risk of attacks on American targets.

The ease with which US domestic flights were hijacked and used as missiles is likely to make many Americans reconsider their routine use of air travel.

Half of all the world's commercial aviation takes place in the US, and passengers have become accustomed to safe flying. Usually, no more than one fatal accident occurs every year or two.

With the exception of a few high-profile attacks on tourists, the US has been seen as a safe destination. That image has now been shattered.

The shock waves will continue to ripple around the world, as happened during and after the Gulf War.

Travellers will be much more likely to remain at home rather than take the risk of venturing abroad in a world that suddenly looks less secure.

Has the risk of further devastating acts passed, or is the perception of risk enough to keep people grounded? How long will the US remain off the agenda of New Zealanders? Postponing US holidays is one option, another is to cancel them. But having any costs reimbursed is down to your travel insurance policy.

One of the country's biggest insurers, Tower Insurance, says its clients with travel insurance and currently in transit will be covered if their travel plans are affected by the attacks.

"We are constantly reviewing our policies and the situation [in the US], said the company's assistant general manager, Colin Taylor.

"If people choose not to travel then they won't be covered. However, if their holiday is affected for some other reason then they may be covered."

James Langton, president of the Travel Agents Association of New Zealand said last week's hijackings "will have a huge impact [on tourism] and make people consider whether they will go to the States".

"But my advice is that once the dust settles [flying] will be safer than crossing the street, as security is being increased."

- STAFF REPORTER, - INDEPENDENT

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