The U.S. State Department has issued a worldwide travel
alert through Feb. 24 that encourages increased vigilance for terrorist
attacks.
Following recent attacks in Denmark, France, Mali, Nigeria
and Turkey, as well as the alleged bombing of a Russian airline in Egypt, the department
warns that terrorist groups ISIS, al-Qaida and Boko Haram “continue to plan attacks
in multiple regions. These attacks may use conventional and nonconventional
weapons and target both official and private interests.”
The alert, the first worldwide travel alert since August
2013, includes the usual guidance for travelers: Avoid large crowds, be
vigilant on public transportation and register in the State Department's Smart
Traveler Enrollment Program, which keeps U.S. travelers in touch with nearby
embassies and consulates.
Increased wariness
could impact demand
for travel from the United States to other countries for the next few months,
according to a Cowen and Co. research note. “Historically, when events like
Paris occur, bookings come under pressure in the short term but improve as the
weeks pass,” according to the note. “With all the global uncertainty due to
terrorist threats and general instability in the world, we expect customers to
be slower to book than in the past, especially to destinations outside the
U.S.”