THE Federation of Tour Operators has insisted companies should continue to rely on government advice despite the murder of four tourists in Yemen.
The Foreign Office only warned of the possibility of abductions but did not advise against travel.
This has led to questions over whether the advice should have been more strongly worded.
But FTO secretary general Alan Flook said it was “entirely reasonable” to assume nothing serious would happen.
“Previous kidnappings in Yemen have ended peacefully and have been carried out for economic reasons, to put pressure on its government for funds,” said Flook.
“This abduction was for ideological reasons, which has not happened before. The sad thing is that events do occur which are unexpected and, at times, tragic.
“It was reasonable to assume that nothing this serious would happen.”
Flook added that customers should also read the Foreign Office advice and take responsibility for their actions.