Terror attacks impacting Europe’s tourism

(CNN) – From Paris to Nice in France, Brussels to Ansbach in Germany, Northern Europe has been shaken by acts of brutality this year. The message from European leaders has been one of unity.

French President Francois Hollande said, "It is clear that we must do everything that we can to fight against the scourge of terrorism." And resolve. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, "I am convinced that despite the difficulties we will win this fight."

Despite these words, fear and hesitation is quietly growing in the continent, and in particular the travel industry. Take the view from Britain. According to the Association of British Travel Agents, U.K. sun seekers want their summer sun with the certainty of security.

Holidays to Tunisia, which suffered a terror attack on one of its beaches is down 90% compared to last year. Egypt is down 70%, and Turkey, which recently saw a failed coup, has fallen by 30%.

Sean Tipton of the Association of British Travel Agents said, "There's been a marked shift in the way and the kind of holidays that people are taking. They've moved away from the eastern Mediterranean places like Turkey, Egypt and Tunisia and shifted to perennial favorites."

Instead, holidaymakers are looking to the sun, sea and sangria of Spain, as well as Portugal. In Spain, in the first six months of this year alone, nearly 33-million foreigners visited the country. That's an increase of almost 12% from last year.

Craig Lever, a British tourist, said, "With what is happening in the world right now, it's not very clever to go to these types of dangerous countries. A place like Portugal is much safer, much quieter and it's better to play golf."

While some have gained from what has been a summer of shocks, be it a cascade of attacks in Europe or the fallout from Brexit, others, in particular European airlines and their investors have been rattled by it.

Easy jet's stock price has fallen 43% since the beginning of the year. Low cost operator Ryanair saw it's price drop by just over a fifth and travel agent Thomas Cook has seen 50% of its value wiped off during same period.

For the time being the terror attacks do not seem to have put people completely off travelling, but it is affecting their choice of destination. For so many here in Europe, safety and security are now paramount.

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