A Government’s Exertion of Power Over Tourism and Trade

Introduction

Travel advisories and safety warnings are essential tools designed to inform travelers about potential risks in various destinations. Their primary purpose is to ensure the safety and well-being of tourists by providing up-to-date information on political instability, health concerns, and other hazards. In this analysis focused on information in the article “The Fate of Tourism during and in the Aftermath of Political Instability: Ethiopia Tourism in Focus,” the following questions will be addressed:

—Do travel bans and safety warnings place tourists under undue risk?

—Are travel advisories used to stifle international travel?

—How can hospitality management professionals best serve customers wishing to travel internationally?

Do Travel Bans and Safety Warnings Place Tourists Under Undue Risk?

Advisories available to interested tourists aim to mitigate risk by informing travelers of potential dangers. By heeding such warnings, tourists can make informed decisions, avoid high-risk areas, and take necessary precautions. For instance, the U.S. Department of State’s detailed travel advisories categorize countries by risk levels and highlight specific regions or threats, such as violent conflict, terrorism, or kidnapping. Ethiopia, for example, has advisories warning travelers to avoid certain areas due to sporadic violence, ethnically motivated crimes, and communications disruptions. This level of specificity empowers tourists to better plan their travels and evaluate whether a destination aligns with their risk tolerance. (U.S. Department of State).

Ignoring these advisories can lead to exposure to unforeseen dangers, as highlighted by the rise in "dark tourism," where travelers actively seek high-risk destinations for the thrill of danger. The New York Post highlights cases where individuals traveled to conflict zones or unstable regions, often with inadequate preparation, resulting in incidents such as detainment or injury. For instance, some tourists visiting politically unstable areas have found themselves caught in violent protests or military crackdowns. Such examples underscore how ignoring safety warnings can seriously affect personal safety and emergency response services, which may face challenges in providing aid in dangerous locations.

Additionally, some travelers are drawn to regions with active natural disasters or areas marked by political unrest for their "exclusive" appeal, as noted by National Geographic. This behavior often results in tourists being stranded or requiring emergency evacuations that could have been avoided if they had adhered to official warnings. For example, during the unrest in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, travelers disregarding advisories faced restricted movement due to conflict escalation and communication blackouts. Such scenarios highlight the value of respecting travel bans and warnings as tools to reduce personal risk and prevent unnecessary strain on emergency services.

While some argue that travel bans discourage international travel or unfairly target specific destinations, these advisories are not meant to inhibit exploration but to prioritize safety. Tools like the U.S. Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and platforms such as USA.gov provide additional resources, helping tourists remain informed and prepared. These services are especially critical when safety conditions change rapidly, such as when governments evacuate citizens from high-risk areas. By engaging with these tools, travelers can make educated choices and experience global destinations more responsibly.

Are Travel Advisories Used to Stifle International Travel?

While travel advisories can influence tourism patterns, their intent is not to suppress international travel but to promote safe and responsible tourism. They serve as a valuable tool for governments to communicate potential dangers to citizens, allowing travelers to assess risks and plan accordingly. For instance, the U.S. Department of State's travel advisory system uses precise, tiered levels to differentiate between moderate caution (e.g., "Exercise Increased Caution") and severe threats (e.g., "Do Not Travel"). This framework ensures that travelers can make informed decisions rather than avoid international travel altogether. For example, advisories for Ethiopia emphasize specific high-risk areas, such as the Tigray region, while reassuring travelers that Addis Ababa remains relatively stable. (U.S. Department of State).

Elevated travel advisories can inadvertently impact tourism-dependent economies by deterring visitors. National Geographic highlights the ripple effects of advisories, noting that even localized warnings can create a perception of widespread danger. For instance, during Ethiopia’s political unrest, travel to safer regions like Lalibela or the Simien Mountains declined as tourists canceled plans out of generalized fear. This illustrates how advisories, though well-intentioned, can unintentionally lead to economic downturns for regions reliant on tourism revenue.

The rise of alternative travel narratives, such as those promoted by "Against the Compass," underscores how tourism professionals aim to counterbalance the adverse effects of advisories. By highlighting lesser-known, safe destinations within countries under advisory, these platforms encourage responsible tourism without disregarding safety. For example, Ethiopia’s tourism campaigns promote culturally and historically significant attractions, like the Danakil Depression and rock-hewn churches, often far from conflict zones. These efforts help mitigate the perception that advisories apply universally to an entire country.

Moreover, some critics argue that travel advisories can have unintended political or economic biases, influencing public perception in ways that do not always align with on-the-ground realities. For example, the "Worldwide Caution" advisory from the U.S. Department of State is often seen as overly broad, warning travelers about terrorism and crime in global hotspots without always providing context about relative risk levels. This can deter tourists from visiting countries where certain regions are entirely safe and well-equipped to welcome visitors.

To balance safety and tourism promotion, travel advisories should provide detailed, nuanced guidance that encourages informed decision-making rather than blanket avoidance. By emphasizing tools like the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), travelers can stay informed and connected, ensuring personal safety and support for international tourism industries. Responsible tourism professionals also play a key role in bridging the gap by providing accurate, up-to-date information about safe travel options within advisory-affected destinations.

How Can Hospitality Management Professionals Best Serve Customers Wishing to Travel Internationally?

As a hospitality management professional, you can play a pivotal role in ensuring your clients have safe and enjoyable international experiences.

Stay Informed:

Consult authoritative sources like the U.S. Department of State's travel advisories (Travel State) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regularly to stay updated on global travel risks. For instance, by monitoring the Ethiopia travel advisory, professionals can inform clients about avoiding high-risk areas like Tigray and Oromia while recommending safer regions such as Addis Ababa or the Simien Mountains. This proactive approach allows travelers to make informed decisions while minimizing risk exposure.

Educate Clients:

Provide travelers with comprehensive information about their destinations, including advisories, health precautions, and cultural considerations. For example, when discussing Ethiopia, you can highlight the importance of respecting local customs at historical sites like Lalibela while explaining the need to stay alert due to sporadic civil unrest in certain areas (Against the Compass). Offering tailored advice ensures travelers are well-prepared for their journey.

Promote Safe Destinations:

Guide clients towards locations with favorable safety profiles and ensure they know any necessary precautions. For example, while regions like the Danakil Depression are unique and culturally significant, travelers should be briefed on potential environmental hazards such as extreme heat and advised on proper preparation (National Geographic). This approach allows clients to explore responsibly while minimizing possible risks.

Offer Support Services:

To enhance traveler security, assist with travel insurance options, emergency contacts, and contingency planning. For instance, if clients express interest in visiting destinations with advisory levels of “Exercise Increased Caution,” such as Ethiopia, you can recommend robust travel insurance plans that cover medical evacuations and provide emergency assistance (Hiver HQ). Providing such resources fosters peace of mind and builds trust with your clients.

Encourage Registration with STEP:

Advise U.S. travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time alerts and facilitate emergency assistance (USAGov). For example, during political instability, such as the recent unrest in Ethiopia, STEP alerts can help travelers stay informed about changing conditions, ensuring they can adjust their plans accordingly. Promoting this service demonstrates a commitment to client safety and preparedness.

Conclusion

This essay has explored several critical aspects of international travel, specifically focusing on the role of travel advisories, their influence on tourists, and how hospitality management professionals can support clients in navigating these complexities. We addressed whether travel advisories place tourists under undue risk, examined the potential economic implications of these warnings on international travel, and considered the responsibility of hospitality professionals to provide safe, well-informed travel options. By consulting authoritative sources such as the U.S. Department of State and the CDC, educating clients about their destinations, promoting safe and alternative travel locations, and encouraging contingency planning through services like travel insurance and STEP enrollment, hospitality professionals play a crucial role in empowering clients to travel responsibly.

Looking toward the future, it is likely that as global tourism recovers from challenges such as political instability, health crises, and environmental threats, travel advisories will continue to evolve, emphasizing precision and contextual detail. Technology and data analytics will likely improve the ability to monitor and assess risk in real time, which could lead to even more proactive and personalized travel advice. With these advancements, hospitality management professionals will be better equipped to guide travelers, ensuring that international tourism remains a safe and enriching experience. By adopting these practices, we can help foster a travel environment where clients are well-prepared, informed, and can enjoy their international adventures confidently, regardless of future challenges.

Works Cited

Against the Compass. (n.d.). Travel guide to Ethiopia. Against the Compass.

HiverHQ. (n.d.). Customer service in the travel and hospitality industry: The ultimate guide. HiverHQ.

Longdom Publishing. (n.d.). The fate of tourism during and in the aftermath of political instability: Ethiopia tourism in focus. London.

National Geographic. (n.d.). Travel advisories: State Department safety tips. National Geographic.

New York Post. (2024, September 4). Dangerous travel for the "added thrill" increases as visitors flock to high-risk countries. New York Post.

The Journey Tourism. (n.d.). Tourism marketing strategy and brand: Ethiopia. The Journey Tourism.

Trade Law Centre. (2016). Ethiopia's sustainable tourism master plan (2015–2025). Tralac. United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. (2017). Ethiopia's tourism sector is geared Toward inclusive and sustainable growth. UNECA.

U.S. Department of State. (n.d.). Ethiopia travel advisory. U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs.

U.S. Department of State. (n.d.-a). Travel advisories. U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs.

U.S. Department of State. (n.d.-b). Worldwide caution. U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs.

USA.gov. (n.d.). Travel advisory. USA.gov.