Concerns About Terror Will Affect Travel Plans

Jul 31, 2016

What:
Eighty-six percent of Americans are concerned about the risk of a terror attack during vacation, according to Allianz Global Assistance’s recently released Vacation Confidence Index. According to the report, this mindset will cause many of these travelers to change, cancel or delay future travel plans.

Why It Matters:
The regions Americans are most concerned about vary but include destinations in the Middle East, Europe and Africa, as well as domestic destinations within the U.S. In this time of uncertainty, clients will be searching for a steady hand — and this is where a trusted travel agent can shine. Listen attentively to clients’ concerns and use your expertise and insight to accommodate any changes that need to be made. Putting a client’s mind at ease will strengthen the relationship and foster loyalty.

Fast Facts:
- Americans are most concerned about terror attacks taking place in the Middle East (75 percent), Europe (66 percent) and Africa (63 percent).

- Twenty-two percent of travelers say that fear of future violence has influenced vacation planning, with 6 percent of travelers canceling travel plans, 5 percent of travelers changing the destination, 4 percent of travelers changing the local tours, 3 percent changing accommodations and 3 percent purchasing travel insurance.

- As Americans age, the fear of experiencing a terror attack abroad increases, except in the U.S. and Canada, where 54 percent of millennials (aged 18-34) have the greatest fear of an attack taking place there, compared to Generation X (51 percent) and baby boomers (48 percent).

- There has been a 10 percent increase in travel to Europe during the summer, despite recent attacks in Brussels, Istanbul and France.

- Additionally, travel to Europe increased, with 515,676 travelers this year compared to 471,823 last year.

What They Are Saying:
“What we’re seeing is that the American traveler is a complex demographic that shares common fears and concerns, but deviate greatly on where they find those fears and how they face them,” said Daniel Durazo, director of communications at Allianz Global Assistance USA. “But we’re pleased to see that whatever those differences are, one thing that remains consistent is that they are finding ways to follow their passion of seeing the world despite the challenges that come with traveling in a time of terror.”