Talking Points: Europe Holiday Travel Alert (November 22, 2016)
Talking Points – Holiday Travel in Europe
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 Europe. (November 22, 2016)
1. While the U.S. State Department issued a Travel Alert for Europe, it does not warn against Americans traveling to that part of the world, and it’s important to note that a Travel Alert is quite different from a Travel Warning.
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 issued a Travel Alert for Europe, it does not warn against Americans traveling to that part of the world, and it’s important to note that a Travel Alert is quite different from a Travel Warning.
Acting on intelligence information, the U.S. State Department has issued a Travel Alert for Europe. This Travel Alert is timed to coincide with the holiday season.
o A Travel Alert is quite different from a Travel Warning and the two are not interchangeable.
o The U.S. State Department’s Travel Alert for all of Europe does not warn against travel to Europe; it advises Americans to be aware of potential risks.
o The Travel Alert for Europe is very much in keeping with the longstanding Worldwide Caution that has continuously been in effect since 9/11.
The alert was issued on November 21, 2016, “as part of the State Department’s continuous efforts to provide Americans travelling abroad with information about relevant events…
o “Credible information indicates the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or Da’esh), al-Qa’ida, and their affiliates continue to plan terrorist attacks in Europe, with a focus on the upcoming holiday season and associated events. U.S. citizens should also be alert to the possibility that extremist sympathizers or self-radicalized extremists may conduct attacks during this period with little or no warning.”
o “U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when attending large holiday events, visiting tourist sites, using public transportation, and frequenting places of worship, restaurants, hotels, etc. Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds, when possible.”
o “We continue to work closely with our European allies on the threat from international terrorism. Information is routinely shared between the United States and our key partners in order to disrupt terrorist plotting, identify and take action against potential operatives, and strengthen our defenses against potential threats.”
o The Travel Alert expires February 20, 2017.
According to U.S. News & World Report, “Paris is opening a major Christmas market later this week, often a hub for tourists,” and “the alert comes a day after French security officials thwarted an Islamic State group plot. France arrested seven people after anti-extremist raids in Strasbourg and Marseilles on Sunday, the interior ministry said Monday. Agence France-Presse reported that the mayor of Strasbourg, Roland Ries, said the interior ministry told him the targets were ‘in the Paris region’ and not in his city.”
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 U.S. State Department alert also provides steps American travelers can take:
o “Review security information from local officials, who are responsible for the safety and security of all visitors to their host country.”
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.”
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 Ask tour guides and hotel officials about any planned demonstrations in the locations they plan to visit.
o Do not display expensive looking jewelry, large amounts of money or other valuable items, such as electronics. 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.