Tourism and terrorism: conflicts and commonalities

Abstract Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore why tourists continue to visit troubled and often violent nations, even when there is perceived risk. Tourism and terrorism reflect very different philosophies, but there are also some disturbing commonalities. Both need modern technology to be effective, both rely heavily on media management and both require the manipulation of perceptions and attitudes. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses historical evidence to examine the rise and fall in world travel and tourism demand related to acts of terrorism. Findings – The paper observes that the Caribbean experienced a 13.5 percent decline in US visitors after the 9/11 terrorist attack in the USA and this led to the temporary loss of an estimated 365,000 jobs. Practical implications – The paper considers the fact that Jamaica suffers the equivalent of one 9/11 incident each week in terms of the percentage of the population killed by organized crime and gangs. It concludes that crime does not have the same effect as terrorism in terms of deterring tourists and that tourists demonstrate a willingness to visit countries where security risks are significantly higher than in their home country. Originality/value – The paper compares and contrasts the experience of 9/11 in New York with two bombings in Buenos Aires, and shows the remarkable extent to which even the experience of something as shocking as a terrorist attack is mediated through cultural values.