2016 was a challenging year for travel with a spike in terrorism continuing to threaten global safety, but should you let that stop you from travelling in 2017?

As the world looked on hundreds of innocent bystanders were targeted in nightclubs, promenades, shopping centres and airports in a wave of indiscriminate attacks. Concerns over terrorism have propelled mass cancellations and falling tourist numbers.

Terrorism’s impact on travel

According to Compare Travel Insurance, major tourist sites have been shunned by tourists in the aftermath of terrorist activity. Paris lost an estimated €750m in tourism during the first half of 2016; tourism fell by 13 per cent in Belgium after Brussels came under siege and foreign tourist numbers to Turkey have dropped by 33 per cent in just one year. Simultaneously, travel insurance sales and queries went up.

“There is no doubt that terrorism can have a very dramatic influence on peoples’ travel mindset. We quickly see travel insurance sales spike during times of turmoil,” director of Compare Travel Insurance, Natalie Ball said.

“For example, just after the Brussels attacks we experienced a 38 per cent increase in queries into European travel insurance. It’s evident that terror incidents heighten people’s perception of risk and safety”.

Many consumers are unclear as to whether travel insurance will indeed cover them in the event of terrorism. Generally speaking, in the event of a terror attack, most policies would exclude cover for cancellation fees or changed travel plans but would still provide cover for medical costs and repatriation cover in the event of a terror attack.

Ball advices that travellers wanting to cancel due to a sense of anxiety would not be covered.

“Travel insurance does not cover you for change of mind so unless your travels are directly affected by a recent terror attack you would most likely not have eligibility to claim.”

Ball also recommends a thorough read of your policy documents before you go ahead and buy cover.

“While we strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance no matter where you’re headed, you should always read the fine print of your policy and understand the terms and exclusions. As well, it’s a good idea to buy cover as soon as your holiday is confirmed to ensure cancellation benefits kick-in immediately.”

Tourism under siege

It’s not difficult to comprehend the strong causality behind terrorism and dropping tourist numbers. For most travellers, the words ‘terror attack’ or ‘terror threat’ trigger feelings of fear, and it’s perfectly reasonable to feel vulnerable and anxious about the prospect of travelling during these uncertain times.

However, Ball notes that it’s important to have some perspective before crossing travel off the agenda.

“Acts of terrorism make front page news but the risk of dying in a terror attack is actually marginal- about 1 in 20 million. You are far more likely to encounter an unpleasant tummy bug or get sunburnt than encounter a terror attack while travelling. Keep these statistics in mind when you start to feel apprehensive and avoid focusing on improbable risks.”

“So long as you are using common sense and follow warnings from DFAT, you can continue to travel freely and securely.”

Travel tips during times of terror

1. Fight the fright: Don’t allow fear and panic mongering to get the better of you. If you observe travel warnings and use common sense in your decisions, there’s no need to feel at risk.
2.  Switch off the telly: Avoid your instinct to stay glued to the news or scrolling through news headlines. Overexposure can leave you feeling more vulnerable and prone to anxiety.
3. Use Smart Traveller: This DFAT issued website will keep you updated on any travel alerts and warnings you should be privy to.You can also register your travels on the site to receive regular updates and advisories.
4. Get travel insurance: Purchase a policy as soon as you’ve booked your flights and make sure you have a good understanding of your cover and the type of benefits you are eligible for.
5. Be vigilant: When necessary avoid crowded places with low levels of protective security. If you do observe suspicious activity report it to police as soon as possible.