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Tour operators are closely monitoring the situation in Tunisia following Wednesday’s terrorist attack but one has admitted some tourists would now “think twice” about going to the destination.
At least 23 people were killed in the shooting at the Bardo Museum in the capital Tunis, including at least 17 tourists. One British woman was among the dead which also included tourists from Japan, Italy, Colombia, Australia, France, Poland and Spain.
Thomson has cancelled excursions to Tunis for holidaymakers currently in the destination for the coming days as a precaution while Thomas Cook said it was monitoring the situation.
Intrepid Group UK and Europe regional director Michael Edwards said the operator had yet to cancel or change any of its tours there but added: “It would be foolish of me to pretend this will not change people’s thinking and travellers will keep a close eye on developments. Some tourists are going to think twice.”
Edwards said the attack came just before the start of the main tourist season to Tunisia. “The season kicks off in April and our first departure is on April 19th. We are closely monitoring the situation but we have not taken any action at this stage.”
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice has not changed following the attack.
A statement from Thomson and First Choice said: “We can confirm that none of our customers or staff were affected by yesterday’s events. As a precaution, however, we have cancelled excursions to Tunis for the coming days.
“Customer safety is of paramount importance to us and we continue to work closely with the FCO and the British consulate to monitor the situation. Tunisia remains a popular destination for us and customers are enjoying their holidays as normal.”
Thomas Cook said its holiday programme continued to operate and normal booking conditions applied.
In a statement the company said: “The safety and wellbeing of Thomas Cook customers and staff is our priority, and we would never knowingly offer holidays in destinations where we felt their safety might be compromised. Our experienced teams on the ground have confirmed that holidaymakers are continuing to enjoy their holidays in the resort areas of the country.
“Our customers’ welfare remains our primary concern, and we will continue to liaise with our experienced overseas team and the FCO and update on any changes in advice as appropriate. “