The US State Department has issued a rare global security warning ahead of summer. But travellers – and the destinations that rely on them – are largely undeterred.
Just in time for the peak summer travel season, last week the United States State Department issued a rare “worldwide caution” security alert. Triggered by the Israel-Iran conflict and rising global tensions, the warning urges US citizens to take extra caution wherever they are in the world, citing the risk of anti-American demonstrations and unexpected airspace closures, particularly in the Middle East.
The alert is layered on top of the State Department’s typical travel advisories, which rank countries from Level 1 (exercise normal precaution) to Level 4 (do not travel). And with US travel already facing headwinds from airline near-misses and enhanced border security, the worldwide warning puts additional strain on what was already a shaping up to be a challenging summer.
Still, many Americans appear undeterred.
“I’m not changing my plans one bit,” says American comedian Dan Nainan, who has upcoming trips to Italy, Singapore and the Galapagos. “I suppose I would reconsider if World War Three broke out – but short of that, I think it’s important to not get caught up in too much fearmongering.”
