The US government has issued a worldwide travel alert to its citizens warning about the increased risk of terrorist attacks.
The State Department issued the alert, which will apply for three months, in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Paris earlier this month and Brussels being put into security lockdown due to fears of a similar attack in the Belgium capital.
But the majority of US-based business travel buyers do not seem to be deterred from visiting Europe due to the attacks with 57% saying they had not changed their travel plans to Europe, according to a GBTA survey, and another 16% saying they had only “slightly” reduced travel to Europe.
The State Department alert said: “Authorities believe the likelihood of terror attacks will continue as members of ISIL/Da’esh return from Syria and Iraq.
“Additionally, there is a continuing threat from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organisations but conducted on an individual basis.”
The alert says that US citizens should “exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation” and “exercise particular caution” during the forthcoming festive season and when attending festivals and events.
The GBTA poll of 169 US-based travel buyers found that only 10 per cent had temporarily suspended travel to Paris since the attacks on November 13. An overwhelming majority (93%) said that it was important to continue travelling to Europe as usual.
GBTA Executive Director Michael McCormick said: “This initial survey shows the resiliency of business travel in the face of these horrific attacks.
“However, corporations, governments and the business travel industry must continue to work closely together to ensure a global travel system that is both safe and secure.”