ABSTRACT
In the past two years geopolitical conditions have impacted seriously on the travel and tourism trade. As several commentators have noted, the events of 11 September 2001 have precipitated both short-term and more persistent long-term spatial restructuring and reorganisation of demand (Goodrich 2002; Mills 2002; TBP 2002). Within Europe, popular destinations were hit hard in the autumn and winter as North Americans chose not to make long-haul trips. Conversely, some British holiday resorts experienced a late season increase in demand as domestic visitors chose to travel in the United Kingdom rather than risk even short-haul flights to European short-break and early winter-sun destinations (Vasagar 2002; Coles 2003). The Bali bombing and, more recently, the events leading up to, and attending, the second Gulf War have forced business and independent travellers to reappraise their plans in the far and near East (Lawrence 2003). In the case of south-east Asia, the recent outbreak of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) has compounded already negative public opinion in the western world about travel to the region (Observer 2003).
