Wpływ wydarzeń 11 września 2001 r. na turystykę światową

Abstract

A new situation after terroristic assaults in the United States on the 11th of September 2001, have been attended by significant, political consequences and by economic ones especially. Bearing it in mind, an influence of this situa-tion on tourism in a wide aspect should be examined with a special interest fo-cused on consumer attitudes and behaviours of tourists. The threat of global recession seemed quite likely during a few days af-ter terroristic attacks. Economy of the United States attenuated previously by the recession of the hi - tech sector and also by decreasing consumption after the tragedy of World Trade Center, might have collapsed. Such threat is still probable. However, there appeared some opinions that the terroristic assault in the United States was the first crucial, negative symptom of globalisation phe-nomenon were. Sucking character of American economy based, in fact, on de-pendent potentials of weaker economic systems of other countries resulted, obliquely, in deepening crisis of underdeveloped countries. Thus, the most convenient solution seems to be the programme of wide-ranging help to the poorest countries, not a relief but long-term activities leading to economic, technological development and gradual independence of foreign capitals. At the same time it should be observed that the terroristic attack influ-enced economical sectors in a different way. Those who benefited are: defen-sive and electronic industries +40.7%, manufacturers of electronic cards +19.5%, insurance agancies +18.1%, cellular phone operators +15.0%, gold manufacturers +11,0%. However, there are those who lost: trade of semi-conductors: -22.3%, metal mining: -21.0%, chains of photographic shops: -20.6%, hotels: -19.2%, airlines: -18.4%. Crisis of tourism, whose likelihood was accelerated by the attack on the 11th of September, afflicted mainly the United States – the country being the largest economic market, and the dominant one in international tourism. Yet it should be clearly notified that some activities conducted by extremely lib-eral American economy resulted in the following crisis in tourism. Some lines of crucial importance to the safety of passangers e.g. security firms at airports, were totally privatised. In short terms those activi-ties were profitable both for airports and air carriers. However, September events showed their disadvantages. Undoubtedly, due to terroristic attacks the brench of tourism linked closely to air transportation, which is the main line of touristic industry in the USA, will be affected severely. First session of NYSE after the attacks which was held on the 17th of September 2001, brought about 52% drop of American airlines shares. Another direct consequence of discussed events was the decline of demand for services of American air carriers. American air-lines within a month after the tragedy as a result of a slump made about 80 thousand emploees redundant and limited carriages by about 20%. Experts predict that global losses of American air carriers after the 11th of September will amount to $ 5 billion. Equally difficult situation is observed in American hotels, especially air-port hotels catering for transit guests. Average occupancy rate in hotels throughout the USA from the 16th to the 29th of September was 54%. In January 2002 the sale of air tickets is much lower as compared to the sale last year. While discussing the crisis of travel in the United States one should pay attention to domestic tourism in the USA whose significance was strongly con-firmed by its contribution to American economy, bringing in the year 2000 $ 481.4 billion profit, more than the world international tourism. Thus, American economy does not suffer from the recess of international tourism but from the recess of domestic tourism. Initial data for the year 2001 published by TIA (Travel Industry Association of America) and prognoses for the year 2002 for the American domestic travel are not optimistic. However, in 2002 a slight increase in domestic travels of American citizens is likely. On the other hand a further drop of employment in tourism is anticipated. It is worth considering that a travel market and especially consumers’ behaviours of this market depend on many economic, social and psychological factors which determine touristic activities much stronger than threat of interna-tional terrorism. It is vital for travel industry realise the consequences of terroristic as-saults. Laying out a plan of crisis management not only of tourism sector but also of individual properties is to be or not to be for touristic industry.