More attacks possible, NZers told

Kiwis planning to travel to Britain are being warned that further terrorist strikes "could well occur".

The Government has revised its official advice in the wake of the bombings, warning Kiwis in London to "maintain a high level of personal security at all times" and to be extra-vigilant on public transport.

Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines are allowing concerned passengers to Britain to cancel or defer their plans with no penalty.

However, travel agents say most people seem to be going ahead with their plans.

Lawyer Erin Woolley is one of several travellers who told the Herald on Sunday they would not be cancelling planned trips.

Now might be one of the safest times to go, said Ms Woolley, as security systems were on full alert.

"You could get hit by a bus crossing the road tomorrow, so I wouldn't be delaying any travel."

Jason Clements, 25, who is planning to go to London in a few weeks, is also undeterred, although he admitted his mother was concerned about his safety. "There's nothing you can do to stop fanatical people placing bombs on buses. I think this is something people always knew was going to happen."

Travel agent Hannah Rasmussen leaves for her OE next week.

She said watching the television coverage of the bombings made her feel sick.

"I was really nervous and the first thing I thought of - apart from all the people affected - was if I should change my plans. I did think about it but then I knew I just had to go."

British High Commission spokesman Paul Noon said any decline in Kiwi travellers was expected to be short-lived. The number of New Zealanders applying for British working holiday visas had dropped following the September 11 attacks, but had since bounced back, he said.

"What tends to happen is people might delay a little bit until things become a bit clearer, but it has been our experience that they just go."

Brent Thomas of House of Travel said he hadn't noticed any increase in cancellations.

"The New Zealand travelling public is resilient. When these events happen, they continue to travel. Unfortunately, it is becoming more common and people accept the risk," he said.

Tourism New Zealand spokeswoman Cas Carter said British travellers tended to be hardy. However, the Americans and Japanese were very sensitive to security issues and might choose to stay home.

The number of visitors to New Zealand dropped by 4 per cent in the first three months after the September 11 attacks. However, it grew by 7 per cent after that. "It didn't have a long-term impact on New Zealand, although it had a bigger impact on other destinations."

Although Tourism New Zealand did not promote New Zealand as a safe destination, many overseas travel magazines had already highlighted the issue, she said, which would only add to our appeal.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade classes the UK as a destination of "some risk", alongside countries such as the USA, Spain and Zimbabwe. "High risk" countries include Iran, Turkey and Thailand, while destinations such as Iraq, Israel and parts of Indonesia are labelled "extreme risk".

MFAT spokesman Brad Tattersfield said the advisories were designed to help travellers make informed decisions, and they did not impinge upon travel freedoms.


- HERALD ON SUNDAY