Following the recent attacks in Westminster on the 22nd of March 2017, less tourists have been visiting popular tourist attractions all around central London. Especially the area surrounding the Houses of Parliament. Is this because major cities are now unsafe? Ever since the terrorist suicide bomb attacks in London, on the 7th of July 2005 (often referred to as the 7/7 bombings), London has remained a somewhat unsafe place for both tourists and those that live here. Does this mean that less tourists will now be visiting major cities because of the increasing amounts of violence in big cities? And how is terror and violence having an impact on major cities such as London?
As a result of major attacks and incidents, it seems that it would be logical for people to stay indoors and away from any chance or possibility of being harmed. The usually bustling Westminster Bridge now seems emptier following the recent events. A tourist passing by Big Ben a few days following the attack says: “everyone is always more careful and cautious after unfortunate events like that of those in Westminster last week, but terror and violence will not stop everyone else going about their way. It should be a reason to become more aware of the world around you, but not a reason for tourists or local residents to change their routine because of certain events. Life still goes on and we all have to do everything in our power to keep our friends and family safe, we have to do everything in our power to speak out against violence and any form of terror.”
Although violence and terror gives everyone a reason to stay indoors where it seems to be safer, it often brings the chance to speak out and spread peace. Raina Sabanta, an aspiring writer and frequent visitor of London says: “although the dangers of the outside world makes is more unsafe for tourists and civilians to be outside, it makes me more passionate about writing because I feel more obliged to use my writing to speak out against violence and terror that is occurring in modern society.” Despite the horrific events that have taken place in London both recently and also in the past few years, these events cannot seem to defeat the integral and passionate attitude of all those that are anti-violent.
Due to advances in technology and air travel, it is expected that over the next few years the number of tourists in London and other major cities worldwide, will be increasing. It is becoming easier, cheaper and quicker to travel across the world; this is causing the tourism industry to thrive and is boosting the economy of popular tourist destinations. This means that cities such as London are likely to be busier within the following decade. However, will the attack in Westminster and any form of terror and violence have an impact on this?
The attack itself could have a major impact on London’s currently thriving tourism industry, especially in the summer months that will soon be arriving. Violence and terror impact humans greatly and although most people would like to continue their lives normally, acts of violence and terror cannot be ignored. Due to the increasing amount of threats of terror, travellers and tourists may choose to wait before booking flights to London and in other cases, they may even cancel bookings and plans that have already been made. This not only has a negative impact to travellers themselves, but also to the 500,000 people who have jobs that are directly linked to the tourism industry. Acts of violence and terror have negative impacts worldwide and the attack in Westminster is an example of what some much less fortunate people experience every single day of their lives.
Violence and terror have huge negative impacts not only in London, but in cities all across the world. However, it gives humans the chance to speak out against violence and spread the message of peace and encourages the protection of loved ones. Thoughts are with all those who were and are being affected with violence and terror on all parts of the world.
Ria Ryan, Nonsuch High School for Girls
