iJET Issues Special Report on Travel to Summer 2004 Olympics
iJET Travel Risk Management (iJET) today announced the publication of its special report on travel to Athens, Greece, before and during the 2004 Summer Olympic Games. The report states that measures being taken by Greek officials to ensure tightened security and assistance from the international community make a major, successful terrorist attack unlikely, but that travelers face other real threats, including transportation concerns, health risks and petty crime. Travelers also face the risk of violent outbreaks resulting from disorderly protests, over-reactive security forces or low-level bombings and arson attacks by domestic anarchist groups.
“A number of pieces need to fall into place before Athens is prepared to welcome the millions of potential international visitors expected in the coming months,” said iJET CEO Bruce McIndoe. “After investing in what is anticipated to be the most expensive security program in Olympics history, Greek officials are still facing a tough timeline to ensure that not only security operations, but venue, transportation and lodging functions run smoothly throughout the games.”
iJET advises travelers to take several precautions when traveling to Athens before and during the 2004 Olympic Games, including:
* Limit use of public transportation, avoid traveling alone and keep movement within the city to a minimum.
* Always carry a photocopy of your passport and keep the original in the safe at your hotel’s front desk.
* Be prepared for long delays, searches and questioning when entering buildings and many private establishments, and be patient and cooperative with security personnel.
* Check vaccinations and be health conscientious. Travel to Greece does not require immunizations, however, participants and spectators will be coming from all parts of the world and contagious illnesses are a concern anytime large numbers of people are in close quarters.
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