The recent wars in the Middle East and the continual war in Easter Europe highlight the need for tourism security around the world. The need for enhanced security is especially important at well publicized international events.

 History has demonstrated the importance of security and the need to protect the public. All tourists are vulnerable, but as the US State Department has recently noted, U.S. travelers need to be especially diligent in checking out potential threats and determining if well publicized events provide acceptable safety and security measures in light of current threat levels. 

 The responsibility to provide secure venues is especially true at major or well-known events, be they sporting, entertainment or major business gatherings or market places.  In all cases due diligence is needed and security providers must be of the highest caliber.  This new reality means that before attending an event with the potential for mass casualties it is necessary for the visitor  to ask such questions as:

1) how were the security staff members chosen?

 2) who trained these staff members?

 3) how much training did they receive?

 4) what is the security provider’s reputation and who has vetted the security provider?

Before attending such an event visitors and spectators need to ask themselves if a major event is iconic and acts as a source for major revenue? Does the event draw a great deal of publicity? Could numerous people be hurt at this event?  If the answer to any of the above questions is yes, then visitors need to ask if they are really safe and secure.

 Often the public is unaware as to just how lax major event security can be.

For example,  the forthcoming 153rd British (Golf) Open has provoked some fears as there are Facebook postings from numerous unvented companies who might not be working according to the highest international safety and security standards and may not be holding their employees to the highest professional standards. Are these  individuals and companies requesting staff without following recognized vetting procedures or are they following they holding their security staffs to the highest standards of protocol?  If the event organizers are not choosing security companies with a proven track record then it might be advisable not to attend such an event.

In the dangerous world in which tourism works and with threats against American and visitors from other nations a major concern it is essential that hosts choose only the best security companies that adhere to the highest standards. This need is especially relevant in a world where acts of terrorism, not only in the Middle East but also in Europe, have become all too prevalent.