Talking Points: Euro Cup (June 8, 2016)
Talking Points – Euro Cup 2016
Copyright © 2016 – Travel Leaders Group LLC. All rights reserved.
The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and clients when discussing travel to France during Euro 2016, June 10 – July 10. (June 8, 2016)
1. While the U.S. State Department Travel Alert for Europe includes detailed information on the European Championship soccer tournament (Euro 2016) beginning on June 10, it does not warn against Americans traveling to France or this event.
2. All travelers, no matter what country they visit, can take precautions to help ensure their safety and well-being.
3. Safety is our top priority for our clients.
Below you will find additional information, supporting material and statistics to help further illustrate each talking point.
1. While the U.S. State Department Travel Alert for Europe includes detailed information on the European Championship soccer tournament (Euro 2016) beginning on June 10, it does not warn against Americans traveling to France or this event.
The 2016 UEFA European Championship, commonly referred to as Euro 2016, is the European men’s football (soccer) championship, held every four years.
o The top 24 national soccer teams from throughout Europe will compete, in France, over the course of one month.
o Matches will be held in 10 cities throughout France: Lens, Lille, Saint-Denis, Paris, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Marseille, Nice, Saint-Etienne and Lyon.
o There will be an estimated 2.5 million spectators for the games, including one million foreign visitors.
On May 31, 2016, the U.S. State Department updated its Travel Alert for Europe as part of its “continuous efforts to provide Americans travelling abroad with information about relevant events…
o “We are alerting U.S. citizens to the risk of potential terrorist attacks throughout Europe, targeting major events, tourist sites, restaurants, commercial centers and transportation. The large number of tourists visiting Europe in the summer months will present greater targets for terrorists planning attacks in public locations, especially at large events.” In particular:
France will host the European Soccer Championship (Euro 2016) from June 10 – July 10 and “has extended its state of emergency through July 26 to cover the period of the soccer championship, as well as the Tour de France cycling race which will be held from July 2- 24.”
o The Europe Travel Alert does not warn against travel to Europe, nor does it warn against attending events like Euro 2016; instead, it advises Americans to be aware of potential risks.
o This alert is very much in keeping with the longstanding Worldwide Caution that has continuously been in effect since 9/11 and will expire on August 31, 2016.
Because of the large number of spectators for this high profile sporting event, France has significantly increased its security measures.
o The BBC is reporting that “The French government has releases a mobile app called SAIP (Population Alert and Information System) to alert the public in the event of a terrorist attack.”
“Users will be able to sign up to receive alerts in up to eight different “geographical zones” in addition to their present location.”
“Alerts will offer a brief description of what has happened as well as advice on how to stay safe.”
“The app is available on both iOS and Android operating systems.”
o According to the UK’s Telegraph, “Earlier this month the French government announced that at Euro 2016 almost 100,000 police, soldiers and private security personnel would be deployed for the duration of the month-long tournament. In addition:
“The 10 venues have also been declared no-fly zones, with anti-drone technology being used to prevent a remote chemical attack. However, the ultimate protective measure, if required, will be to postpone matches and play them behind closed doors on another day.”
“Armed police have become a feature of France’s main airports and train stations since the Paris attacks and will continue to be so. Passport checks that were previously ad-hoc have become routine at such locations.”
o The Wall Street Journal reports that “state and local authorities will spend €7 million (US $19.38 million) securing fan zones and installing video surveillance at the sites [and] …Authorities will carry out systematic frisking around the areas and ban open-air screenings and gatherings outside of the fan zones. The French state will mobilize 73,000 police officers and gendarmes for Euro 2016 and redeploy some of the 10,000 soldiers on the homeland anti-terror mission.”
o CNN Reports that “France has extended its state of emergency, introduced after the attacks in Paris last November, until the end of July. It gives police greater powers of house arrest and allows for demonstrations and rallies to be banned.”
“Metal detectors, video surveillance, sniffer dogs and a large police presence are among the security precautions for the fan zones; fans with not be allowed to bring in large bags.”
2. All travelers, no matter what country they visit, can take precautions to help ensure their safety and well-being.
We recommend that U.S. citizens follow the advice of the State Department and register their travel plans at https://step.state.gov. This will help the State Department contact travelers if there is a family emergency in the U.S., or in the event an emergency transpires in the place where the individual is traveling.
o The U.S. State Department also offers a helpful guide called Traveler’s Checklist which provides additional travel tips.
o Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained through the Consular Information Program documents, by downloading the free Smart Traveler iPhone App, following the State Department on Twitter or the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook. Citizens can also call 888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except U.S. federal holidays).
The updated State Department Travel Alert also provides practical steps American travelers can take:
o “U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using mass transportation. Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid crowded places.”
o “Follow the instructions of local authorities, especially in an emergency.”
o “Monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.”
o “Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions.”
o “Stay in touch with your family members and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency.”
o “Register in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).”
While no one can say with certainty that any destination is 100% safe, we strongly encourage our clients to use care and common sense – no matter where they travel – to maximize their safety and security. For example:
o Leave your itinerary, and passport data page, with a friend or family member back home so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
o Know and respect the laws in the country you are visiting.
o Remain alert to your surroundings at all times. Follow your instincts and avoid any areas or situations that seem as though they could become dangerous.
o Avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly and a foreigner could become a target of harassment. If caught unexpectedly near a demonstration, obey instructions from police and leave the area as quickly as possible.
o Do not display expensive looking jewelry, large amounts of money or other valuable items. Also, do not leave luggage unattended in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.
o Check with your cell phone provider prior to departure to see if your phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G/4G international networks.
o Check your medical insurance coverage to make sure it applies overseas. If it doesn’t, consider buying travel insurance that covers overseas medical attention and medical evacuation.
3. Safety is our top priority for our clients.
Our business is founded on repeat customers. Therefore, we want to be sure everything goes off without a hitch.
We provide the facts so our clients can make informed decisions about their travel plans.
We closely monitor the U.S. Department of State website for travel alerts for all destinations, including those that are most popular with our clients.
Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel there so they can make determine for themselves if they still wish to travel.
We also work closely with respected hotels, resorts, cruise lines, tour operators and other suppliers to remain informed of security precautions they’re taking to guard our clients’ safety.