Travel Safety And Security News
Mexico hotel blast kills Canadian tourists
An investigation is underway after a huge gas blast devastated a resort hotel on Mexico’s Maya Riviera, killing seven people, including five Canadian tourists.
Escaped crocodile causes plane crash
An escaped crocodile caused a plane crash in Congo that killed 20 passengers and crew, including the pilot. The small Turbolet was thrown off balance by passengers scrambling towards the cockpit to avoid the reptile, which had been smuggled onboard in a sports bag.
French protests threaten half-term travel gridlock
Those heading to France for the half-term holidays have been warned to expect severe disruptions due to ongoing protests against government pension reforms. The UK Foreign Office said the protests and strikes were likely to cause “substantial and unpredictable disruption across the country”.
US ATA seeks to dampen travel fears
Officials at the United States Air Transport Association have moved to dampen fears over travel to Europe following the release of a travel alert. The body said it was “business as usual” for carriers operating transatlantic services, despite the issuance of the alert by the State Department.
US and UK issue Europe terrorism alert
Both the US and UK have issued warnings to their citizens of a potential Al Qaeda terrorist threat in Europe, leaving tourism chiefs across the continent concerned this could prompt a travel slump. Though neither are formal warnings, some experts said they could still hurt a fragile European economy already struggling to recover from the financial crisis.
Hurricane Earl downgraded but the U.S. remains on alert
States along America’s heavily-populated Eastern Seaboard have declared emergencies as Hurricane Earl rages off the coast of North Carolina. Despite the storm has been downgraded to a category 2, warnings have been issued in areas as far north as Nova Scotia in Canada.
Two men caught with “mock bombs” at Amsterdam airport
Two men who flew from Chicago to the Netherlands have been held for questioning at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport after US officials raised suspicions over their luggage, prompting speculation they may have been testing security levels at airports.
Caribbean braced for Hurricane Earl
A number of flights have been cancelled and cruise ships diverted as the Caribbean braces itself for Hurricane Earl. A number of homes have been destroyed and tourists have rushed for shelter as 135mph winds struck Anguilla as well as a number of other nearby islands.
Gunmen take tourists hostage at top Rio hotel
Safety concerns in Rio de Janeiro ahead of the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics have been raised after 35 tourists staying at the luxury InterContinental Rio were taken hostage by an armed gang involved in a shoot-out with police.
Tensions rise in Bangkok after fatal bomb blast
Tensions have resurfaced in Bangkok following a grenade explosion that left one man dead and several injured. The killing comes after another fatal blast in the Thai capital five days ago, breaking a period of relative calm since the violent anti-government protests in April and May.
MSC launch clouded by cruise fatality
MSC Cruises has finalised the order for a new 3,274 flagship vessel. However the announcement has been clouded by news of an unrelated incident in which one passenger was killed and another critically injured after the gangway on the MSC Splendida collapsed at the Italian port of Genoa.
China’s largest oil spill hits tourist beaches
China’s largest reported oil spill has spread to popular tourist beaches lining the Yellow Sea, as its size doubled on Wednesday. Frantic efforts are being made to contain the slick but clear-up methods are thought to be basic and amount to little more than workers with rubber gloves, straw mats and chopsticks.