The impact of the attacks on 11 September 2001 on the World Trade Centre on the tourism industry in the Western Cape: a case study

Abstract

The tourism industry is subject to the perception of the tourist whether the chosen destination is perceived as a safe destination. No tourist wants their planned vacation interrupted by acts of violence, placing his and his family’s lives in danger. The attacks on the World Trade Centre in September 2001, has changed the way we travelled for ever. The tourism industry realized that no destination, no mater how far removed from the so called “hot spots” (areas of conflict), could be seen as a safe destination. Acts of violence can occur at any destination at any time. This attack also had a significant impact on the way tourist travel and how they plan their vacations. Added security at all international airports were upgraded to ensure passenger safety, but with that came delays and longer check in times. All of these have a negative impact on the airlines. Tourist also opted for the more safer destinations, those that are removed form potential conflict areas. In the months following directly after the attacks, most popular destination experienced a significant decline in tourist numbers. Major airline across the globe also lost out on revenue, with some of them being forced to close their operations. This had an impact on employment figures in the tourism industry. The attacks however had a positive side to it as well. Some destinations benefited in tourism numbers, due to the fact that these destinations were seen a safe areas to spend one’s vacation at. South Africa, and in particular the Western Cape, is one of these areas that benefited with increasing tourism numbers, due to its status as a safe destination.