engleski

Crisis Communication in Response to Terrorist Threat: Case Study of French Tourism

France. Cote d’Azur. Versailles. Paris. For decades all of those have been the crème de la crème when it came to top global tourism destinations to visit. However, in recent years with many unexpected terrorist attacks and threats, this high end status is quickly fading away. After Islamic bombings, the industry has lost more than €750 million and counting as continuous threats seem to strike over and over again. Frédéric Valletoux, head of the Comité Régional du Tourisme Paris Île-de-France stated “It’s time to realize that the tourism sector is going through an industrial disaster. This is no longer the time for communication campaigns but to set up a relief plan”. That statement speaks volumes as it reinforces the notion that French tourism is going through a rough patch and that there needs to be a set strategic plan for maximum safety including strong a communication strategy geared towards the audiences. Audiences being citizens, tourists but also much broader public as this terrorist phenomenon has become of global concern. The authors will give an insight into how the head institutions of French tourism and mainstream French media are handling crisis communication. The role of both is of crucial relevance as they can be seen as important public opinion holders. It is up to those authorities to pick up the pieces and guard the image of France as a safe tourist destination. Additionally, the authors will examine possible threats that stand in the way of the previously mentioned institutions as they try to establish and preserve credible and timely communication with the general public.

top tourist destinations, terrorism attacks, industrial disaster, strategic communication plan, audiences, crisis communication, public opinion holders

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