Impact of Terrorist Attacks on Tourism in Tunisia, Egypt, and Turkey

Overview

• Terrorist attacks in Tunisia, Egypt, and Turkey have significantly impacted tourism, exacerbating the downturn caused by the Arab Spring.
• Key Incidents: Events such as:
  • Attack at Istanbul Airport.
  • Downing of Russian holiday flight over Sinai.
  • Attack in Sousse, Tunisia, where tourists (mostly British) were killed.

Tunisia Case Study

Attack in Sousse (June 25, 2015)

• Journalist My Broker Career witnessed the aftermath: chaotic scenes, tourists shot, blood in sea and pool.
• Impacts:
  • Immediate trauma for the nation.
  • Beaches and hotels emptied, major economic hit.

Economic Consequences

• Tourism Workers: 400,000 directly and 400,000 indirectly employed in the tourism industry, many lost jobs.
• Case Study: Spring Club Jabba Hotel closed, many employees laid off including Slad Aliani, causing severe financial hardships.
• Broader Impacts: Market for goods like cars collapsed, general economic strain on families reliant on tourism.

Security Measures

• Enhanced Security: Doubled police presence, stricter controls at key sites like beaches, hotels, and sightseeing areas to regain tourist confidence.
• Tourism Minister Alumi Rakik: Implemented international standard security measures.

Broader Impacts

• Arab Spring: Protests led to political instability; post-revolution governments have struggled.
• Social Tensions: Economic grievances intensified, especially in rural areas leading to protests.
• Youth and Militancy: Economic instability and lack of prospects drove youth towards militancy.
• State Responses: Government actions to counteract terrorist influences included tightening mosque controls and addressing root economic causes.

Egypt Case Study

Key Events and Impacts

• Terror Attacks: Multiple attacks including the 2015 Russian charter flight bombing and EgyptAir flight crash severely dented tourism.
• Economic Decline: Significant drop in visitors from 15 million to around 5 million tourists annually, economic hardship for many reliant on tourism.
• Cultural Sites: Sites like Luxor and the Pyramids of Giza saw sharp declines in visitors leading to economic strain on artisans and local businesses.

Political and Social Context

• Revolutions and Political Turmoil: Post-2011 unrest led to a military coup, rise of Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and re-establishment of a police state. Severe restrictions on freedom of speech and heavy-handed control affected the societal climate.
• Human Rights: Activists like Mosn Hassan faced harassment, travel bans, and pressures from the state amidst a broader crackdown on civil society.

Current Efforts and Challenges

• Government Action: Implemented enhanced airport security after terrorist attacks, yet tourist return has been slow.
• Local Perspectives: Skepticism about the revival of tourism among both locals and industry experts due to ongoing political and security issues.

Turkey Case Study

Key Events and Impacts

• Terrorist Attacks: Series of attacks in 2016 targeting key tourist spots and transport hubs led to significant decline in tourism.
• Political Instability: Attempted military coup in 2016 exacerbated the situation, leading to a severe crackdown and purges within the country.

Economic and Social Impacts

• Tourism Decline: Antalya and other key tourist regions saw a sharp drop in visitors, with many hotels facing economic hardships.
• Worker Impact: Major layoffs in the tourism sector, with many workers struggling to find alternative employment.

Broader Political Context

• State Repression: Increasingly authoritarian government actions post-coup, with heavy censorship and arrests affecting public and media freedom.
• Industry Perspective: Advocacy for a shift towards boutique and cultural tourism rather than reliance on mass all-inclusive packages to attract higher-spending tourists.

Conclusion: Wider Impacts on Tourism

• Fear of Terrorism: A significant new factor influencing holiday destination choices for many, leading to a downturn in 'Carefree holidays in the sun'.
• Future Prospects: Efforts at enhancing security and political stability are crucial but challenges remain robust in the face of persistent threats and economic downturns."