Travel Safety And Security News
Jamaica’s tourism hotspots unaffected by troubles in capital
Jamaica Tourist Board has reassured the travel trade that the main tourism areas remain unaffected by the violence in its capital, Kingston. Director of Tourism John Lynch said: “Travellers to the areas of Jamaica including Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, Negril and the South Coast are some four hours away from the area of concern.”
Thailand plots tourism comeback
Thailand is plotting its return from the tourism cold now that control and order has been restored in Bangkok. The government estimates US$1.5 billion has been lost in tourism revenue following two months of political upheaval, whilst many fear that Thailand’s image as the “Land of Smiles” has been shattered by the violence that left 88 dead and 1,900 injured.
Death toll in Jamaica rises
Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding has vowed to restore order after fighting between police, the military and drug gangs claimed the lives of at least 60 people in Kingston. However the tourism areas on the north coast remain unaffected and well isolated from the trouble hotspots.
Tourism expected to feel fall-out from Jamaica’s civil unrest
Street violence in Jamaica over the planned extradition of a gang leader to the U.S. could deter tourists as well as harm the economic recovery, the head of Jamaica’s Chamber of Commerce has warned.
Bangkok curfew extended
The curfew in Bangkok has been extended by a further three nights as Thai troops attempt to storm the anti-government protesters’ camp and weed out the ringleaders. The army insisted the violence was now under control following yesterday’s outburst which claimed a further 14 lives.
Thai tourism suffers fall-out from Battle of Bangkok
Bookings for resorts in Phuket have sunk to just 15 percent for June as the tourist industry across Thailand suffers the fall-out of the violent protests in Bangkok. The global coverage of the street battles has sent the country’s tourism industry into freefall, despite the destination remaining largely peaceful and few resorts outside the capital affected.
Greece sets up tourism crisis committee
The Greek Government has set up a crisis committee to help its troubled tourism industry, which faces a slump in holiday bookings following the Athens riots. An estimated 20,000 hotel bookings have been cancelled to the capital, and Thomas Cook has reported a 30 per cent fewer bookings this year.
Bangkok violence escalates
Violence in Bangkok has escalated with troops opening fire on rioting Red Shirt anti-government protestors, once again turning the Thai capital into a battlefield. On Friday, the so-called Red Shirts seized and vandalized several military vehicles, and set at least one truck on fire following the shooting of an influential anti-government general.
Ash backlog leaves hundreds stranded in airport basement
Hundreds of tourists remain stranded in the basement of Bangkok airport as airlines struggle to clear the backlog caused by the ash cloud crisis. The recent spate of civil disturbances also makes it safer to remain in the airport rather than staying at local hotels.
Most Americans willing to sacrifice some privacy to enhance safe air travel
Ninety-three percent of Americans said they are willing to sacrifice some level of privacy to increase safety when traveling by air, according to research conducted in January and February by Unisys Corporation ( UIS).
Thailand riots: tourism expected to shrink 20 percent as death toll rises
Thailand’s tourism economy is expected to shrink 20 percent as violence in Bangkok deepens. Tourists continue to make a mass exodus from the capital as the death toll from the anti-government protests reaches 21, with further protests expected this week.
Moscow metro bomb blasts kill 38
At least 38 people have been killed and over 50 injured after two female suicide bombers detonated devices on the Moscow metro on Monday morning. The first blast claimed 25 lives at a station beneath the offices of the FSB intelligence agency. Chechen rebels are suspected to be behind the attacks.