US issues worldwide travel alert, creates 'frantic' headlines

A US government global travel alert warning of more terrorism threats could put the tourism industry into a spin.

But it is more likely to cause blood to boil among travel and aviation industry heads.

The warning, issued by the US Department of State, details continuing terror threats and recent attacks in Lebanon, Tunisia, France and Belgium.

The alert reads: 
"Current information suggests that ISIL [Islamic State aka Da'esh], al Qa'ida, Boko Haram, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions.

“These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, using conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official and private interests. The Travel Alert expires on February 24, 2016."

The alert, which is of an advisory nature to American citizens, backgrounds recent attacks on tourists and is an upgrading of a “caution” issued on July 29.

Creates problem, 'frantic' headlines
But industry sources say it creates a big problem, mainly because the warning has no specifics and doesn't urge people to stop travelling.

All it does is recommend vigilance when in "public places or when using public transportation," something most tourists would already decide for themselves.

As one commentator says, " ... it accomplishes absolutely nothing except create a lot of very frantic headlines as the world media frantically pump out byline after byline. It will attract nominal attention from a bored public, who will then file it under ‘ignore’ since it provides zero useful information.

"It has no legal standing. Travel insurance is not cancelled. Flights will still continue, hotels still accept bookings and tour groups will still take pictures of old landmarks while eating overpriced ice cream."

The alert says authorities believe the likelihood of terror attacks will continue as members of ISIL/Da’esh return from Syria and Iraq. 

“Additionally, there is a continuing threat from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organisations but conducted on an individual basis. 

“Extremists have targeted large sporting events, theatres, open markets, and aviation services.

“In the past year, there have been multiple attacks in France, Nigeria, Denmark, Turkey, and Mali. ISIL/Da’esh has claimed responsibility for the bombing of a Russian airliner in Egypt.”
The warning goes on to say US citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation. 

“Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds or crowed places. Exercise particular caution during the holiday season and at holiday festivals or events.” 

Read the full text of the travel alert here.

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