ABSTRACT
The aim of this chapter is to address the issue of how Dutch customers have reacted to increases in threat levels, both real and perceived, and to explore the role of the tour operators in their own destination choices. The research process involved a self-administered survey conducted at different central train stations in the Netherlands and the Dutch Tourism Fair in Utrecht in 2017. The findings reveal that all those surveyed consider travel safety and security increasingly important. Those respondents over the age of 40 are especially concerned about security matters and more likely to rely on and put their trust in tour operators for information. Younger generations were far less likely to alter their destination choice than those over the age of 40 in response to security issues. An equal ratio of those in the 40–49 age group were just as likely to continue their holiday as they were to cancel. So in terms of changes in destination choice (as a reaction to security issues), over-40s are much more likely to do so than those under 40. Respondents over the age of 40 expect tour operators to be the ‘guardians of their safety’ who should offer, where appropriate, practical information concerning destination security in higher risk countries. It would appear this is the first study to examine the influence of terrorism on risk perception and attitudes of Dutch travel behaviour, and their risk reduction strategies and preventive measures.
