HND Tourism Research Project: Terrorism Impact on Paris Tourism

This research project investigates the impact of terrorism on the tourism sector in Paris, using Thomas Cook as a case study. The project begins with an introduction that highlights the importance of tourism to a country's economy and the various challenges, including terrorism, that the sector faces. It then outlines the factors influencing the selection of the research project, including the paradoxically connected relationship between international terrorism and tourism, where increased terrorist attacks deter tourists. The research aims to determine the effect of terrorism on Paris's tourism income, with objectives including identifying the impact of terrorism on society, assessing tourism's significance to economic development, and evaluating the impact of terrorism on tourism income. The methodology includes data collection processes, research methods, design, and analysis, with a focus on a survey of 60 respondents. The data analysis section includes thematic analysis, interpreting the impact of terrorism on the economic condition of Paris, different types of terrorism activities, the importance of tourism in economic growth, highly affected areas, and measures to control terrorism. Findings indicate terrorism negatively impacts the economic condition, with nuclear terrorism being a significant threat, and that tourism plays a vital role in economic growth.

Research Project

Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................1
1.1 Introduction ..........................................................................................................................1
1.2 Factors that will contribute into selection of research project..............................................2
1.4 Specifications about research project ...................................................................................2
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW ........................................................................................4
1.3 Literature review ..................................................................................................................4
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.............................................................................9
2.1 Use of resources properly in order to met with hypothesis and questions ...........................9
2.2 Methodology related with data collection process ...............................................................9
2.3 Data collection process ......................................................................................................12
3.1 Data collection process ......................................................................................................13
CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS ...............................................................................................14
3.2 Data analysis.......................................................................................................................14
3.3 Recommendations and conclusion .....................................................................................23
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................25

TITLE – “To determine the effect of terrorism activities and its impact on tourism income of
PARIS”. A case study on Thomas Cook.
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
All sectors plays an imperative in making an economy stable and helps for it long
running development. In which, tourism is one of the largest growing sector which highly
generates foreign revenues. Along with this, tourism provides an opportunity to a country to
create effective image over the world, but the sector is facing several issues now these days.
These issues can be – government rules and regulations, terrorism, globalisation, environmental
pollution, robbery, loot etc. that means people are not ready to make tours cause of various
threats and problems regrading safety and security of life (Liamputtong, 2013). On the other
hand, Paris is known as one of the attractive place for tourism purpose, the city ranked in top
100 cities over the world. In 2013, the city welcomed 16 million international visitors which was
the largest number of tourists in UK. In 2014, Paris spent 17.5 billion dollars on improving
tourism activities. These are the major tourist attraction of the city, such as- The Eiffel tower,
centre Georges Pompidou, Arc de Triomphe etc. But, due to several terrorism attacks the city is
effected adversely, the number of tourist is decreasing day by day. In addition, the impact of
terrorism on travel and tourism can be enormous, it leads unemployment, deflation,
homelessness, poverty and further other social ills. Although, terrorism is a compelling as well as
an enigmatic phenomenon and its relationship with tourism is too complex and multifaceted. It is
increased rapidly during the late 1960s and 1980s was the began of terrorist violence.
Comparatively, fewer terrorist attacks have been recorded for the first half of 90s in Paris.
Recently, in November 2015 terrorist attacked on Paris; there were killed 130 people.
Therefore, if terrorism activities will be increased then the business of many travelling
agencies will goes down and they cannot achieve their goals and objectives (Taylor, Bogdan and
DeVault, 2015). The present research is based upon Thomas Cook, it is the largest travelling
company which served over the global. The main services of the company are – Charter and
schedules passenger airlines, hotels, resorts, package holidays, cruise lines etc. The overall
revenue of Thomas Cook is £7,812 million and its net income is £9 million. Along with this, the
main objective of the company is to deliver qualitative and value added tourism services to
1

customers to gaining high competitive edge. The firm also engage in several programmes in
order reduce the impact of terrorism at global level.
1.2 Factors that will contribute into selection of research project
There are various types of factors that has an important role in selection of research
project. The research topic should be suitable for research and researcher have interest in it. It is
essential for researcher to carefully chose the research topic so as to get desired results. The
research will be described how terrorism can influence overall tourism activities of a nation
(Bernard, 2017). Along with this, international terrorism and tourism are the paradoxically
connected with each other because if terrorists attacks will be raised then people would not
prefer to go out such countries to visit. Although, tourism is one of the important key aspect that
helps in improving economic condition of a country. Thus, due to terrorist attacks the economic
conditions of Paris also goes down.
1.4 Specifications about research project
Research aim - “To determine the effect of terrorism activities and its impact on tourism
income of PARIS”. A case study on Thomas Cook.
Research objectives – These are various research objectives: -
 To identify the effect of terrorism on society.
 To ascertain the significance of tourism on development of country's economy.
 To evaluate the consequence of terrorism activities and its vast impact on income level of
tourism
 To determine different measures to reduce terrorism activities from PARIS To recommend ways through which countries can improve tourism.
Research questions: - Some of the following research questions are: -
 Q1. What is the impact of terrorism on society?
 Q2. Why tourism is important for economic growth and development?
 Q3. What are the consequences of terrorism activities and their impact on tourism
income?
 Q4. What are the different measures to diminish terrorism activities? Q5. Justify the ways of improving tourism?
Research methodology
2

A research methodology is the process that is used by a researcher in order to collect data
and information with an aim of making business decisions. It involves publication research,
surveys, interviews and other techniques which can provide present and historical information
(Zikmund and et. al., 2013). Along with this, research methodology is a systematic way of
resolving problems which can be occurred while conducting a research. Sources of data – It is essential for researcher to determine an accurate source of data so
as to get effective and reliable information. There are two sources of data, such as-
primary and secondary. It helps researcher to get information about the research topic so
that all all activities and tasks can be complete easily. Type of research methods – Research methods select by an investigator on the basis of
appropriateness of research. There are different types of research methods, like
qualitative and quantitative. Research design – It is an overall strategy which is chosen by researcher in order to
integrate the various components of the study in a logical way. It ensure to effective
identify the research problem and also constitute with blueprint of collections, evaluation
and assessment of data and information (Best and Kahn, 2016). Research philosophies – It is brief about the phenomenon that is going to be gathered
and used. Research philosophy is theory which is used to understand, test and develop the
research problem. Research approaches – Its a plan or procedure that involves different stages which
provides a right direction to overall research project. Research approaches also helps in
taking important decisions for working activities. Data analysis – It is known as most crucial aspect of research methodology. Data
analysis provides practical and real information about data and information. Here data
analysis is done on 60 respondents. Data sampling – It is used to select, anticipate and evaluate a subset of data points for
determining different trends and patterns in set of data collection. Validity – Researcher have to ensure that all facts and figures that are gathered from
different sources should be valid and legal (Rubin and Babbie, 2016). The person has to
keep safe and secure personal data of respondents.
Gantt chart
3

It is an effective tools which is used in research project for coping all tasks and activities.
Gantt chart involves list of different working activities and their time schedule.
Activities/ weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Research proposal
Determining research aims
and objectives
Prepare research questions
Literature review
Research methodology
Questionnaire
Data analysis
Conclusion
Recommendations
Final submission
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
1.3 Literature review
A literature review presents what is going to be published in a report by accredited
scholars and researchers. It should be able to identify the areas of controversy in the literature
and synthesises results into a summary of what is and is not known. Along with this literature
review have to be organised around and related directly to thesis as well as research questions
which would be developed. It gives a new interpretation to readers by combining new and old
interpretations (Buckley, 2012). Literature review trace the intellectual progressions of the fields
by involving major debates. In other words, literature review is a mixing of viewpoints of
several authors. It is depending on the situation, evaluation the sources and advise the reader on
the most pertinent or relevant research. Therefore, literature review is conclusion that determines
the gaps which exists how a problem has been researched to date.
Impact of terrorism activities on society
4

Terrorism can be defined as an act which occurs fear in people lives; the main reason
behind this hate among certain group of people in society. The weapon of terrorism targets a
particular of individuals in order to kill them. Therefore, terrorism is considered as one of the
greatest threat for today's era; its an attack of human rights. According to Rey, Myro and Galera,
(2011) there are several hidden means or reasons to achieve and serve political and economic
agenda. Terrorism also put a huge impact on various aspects of society, i.e. psychological status,
social values, beliefs, attitudes, economical and political condition of the nation as well. Its aim
is to demolish the authority of a state or law. Terrorists put a pressure on national authorities and
force them to work accordingly in order to generate fear among society. These terrorists acts are
unprovoked and intentional causing over whelming fear; terrorists are terrorize by using
challenges or other destructions for killing innocent people and build up sensationalism and
chaos within public. Therefore, terrorism not only effect individuals life but the overall social
system. Due to these terrorists attacks society get splits that can also harm the social unity and
fabric. It also increases isolation as well as segregation among various strata of a society; it leads
social disturbance in people lives (Li and Song, 2013). Continuous violent attacks hamper social
well being and social prosperity of masses that is always valued at risk and makes the life of
people more intolerable and difficult. Terrorism also leads poverty and unemployment through
which people cannot contributes in economic growth and development of a nation. Along with
this, terrorism also affect individuals life styles and their living styles in an adverse manner.
Through which people cannot get survive freely, it increases the feat of safety and security. It can
also effect the political condition of the country that reduces its global image or reputation. There
is very little research on the impact of terrorism on destination image. However, promoting
special events created enough tourism interest to outweigh Paris negative external image caused
by terrorism. They concluded that there was a need for Northern Ireland to pay more attention to
overcoming their negative image and the need to increase inbound tourism. Unfortunately, they
only advise on increasing visitation instead of solutions to overcome the nation’s negative image.
Therefore, terrorism put a huge impact on human life in terms of security, future anxiety,
economic problem and migration. The human cost of terrorism has been felt in virtually every
corner of the globe. Terrorism has a very real and direct impact on human rights with devastating
consequences for the enjoyment of the right to life, liberty and physical integrity of victims.
5

Along with this, terrorism threatens the security and dignity of human beings. It put in endanger
innocent lives, creates an environment that can destroys the freedom from fear of the people.
Eugenio-Martin and Campos-Soria, (2014), states human rights are among the essentials of
democracy and good governance. They aid human beings in order to live a fulfilled life.
Terrorism itself means violence that is regularly used so as to create an atmosphere of fear in
society and thus attain a political goal. Terrorists attacks are conducted by political structures as
well as religious groups. Due to its scale, consequences, destroying, intensity, power, cruelty and
brutality, terrorism is become of the major issue for society.
Significance of tourism on growth and development of an economy
In today's scenario, tourism is now becoming one of the most growing sector over the
world. It is liable for providing job opportunities to people as they can improve their living
standard as well. In this relation, experience of Paris economy is well known so that foreign
currencies receipts from tourism contributes in finance the extension of manufacturing by
financing imports of capital goods. Therefore, importance of tourism for the positive evolution in
the economic development of the country decades (Blanco, 2011). The beginning of economic
liberalisation
Along with this, tourism products and customers' experiences can be raised by combining
commercial practice and local investment. The annual growth rate of the international tourism
arrivals in developing countries for the years 2010 – 2013 was 10.6% compared to 5.1% growth
worldwide over the same period. The direct contributions of travel and tourism cover the total
spending within a specific country on travel and tourism by residents and non-residents for
business and leisure activities. It also involves government spending on tourism services related
to visitors. On the other hand, the indirect contribution of tourism industry states with
investment, purchase of goods and services by the sectors dealing with tourists. With the
viewpoint of Song, Gartner and Tasci, (2012) effective and successful tourism helps in
improving gross domestic product rate of the country. The major effect on of travel and tourism
it boosts the demand of goods and service. It can also reflects the economic activity generated by
industries, like hotels, airlines, travel agents. In 2012, tourism industry contributes in $6630
billion in global GDP; in UK it was $1400 billion accounting for 8% of region's total GDP.
Along with this, the direct contribution of travel and tourism investment spending – an
significant aspect of both current and future activity that includes investment activity such as the
6

purchase of new aircraft and construction of new hotels. Successful tourism also liable for
employment creation. Tourism is a labour intensive industry, it employs 15% of overall
population of Paris. The growth of ethical tourism is a key recent feature and voluntarism. It also
generates important foreign exchange earnings that is an important source of diversification for
many countries (Larsen and et. al., 2011). Along with this, terrorism posses a serious law and
order problem and leads to disintegration of society. The incident of murder, torture, kidnapping,
mutilation and extortion create atmosphere of suspicion, fear and panic all around.
Tourism is one of the significant sector of an economy i.e. Paris it helps people to
provide them knowledge about several tourist destinations. Government of UK is trying to
develop cultural and heritage development so as to attain and retain visitors for long term period.
Factors which can promote all types of tourism are - training, education guidelines, skills,
interests, security, attractions and so more. Hence, all these factors are assistive in expanding an
economy so as to build up a positive image of a nation's tourism sector over the globe. Apart
from this, sustainable tourism is attained by working with local and public sites (Kolaric and
Schiereck, 2016). Ecotourism in Paris is not working in an effective manner; local public is
suffering on dally basis because big businessman has covered 70% of revenues. Such people
also supports tourism companies and government so as make effective tourism in country.
Therefore, if an country has attractive and imperative tourism then it would assistive in attaining
visitors towards. Although, tourism companies also make plans for the same country which
improves its capital income through which economic condition of the country will be also
improved.
Consequences of terrorism activities and their impact on tourism income
Tourism is very sensitive in the occurrence of terror attacks. Global terrorism database
contains 100000 cases between 1980 to 2015 of terrorism. Along with this, terrorists are very
dangerous and having various views with their objectives. There are a lot of things that terrorists
gain by targeting tourists. In Paris, if terrorists attacks will be increased then it effect the interest
of people; it results individuals will not prefer to go out in such countries. According to Bresson
and Logossah, (2011) travellers are targeted for their symbolic value as indirect representatives;
attacking on foreign visitors bring the world attention and economic imbalance. It results, lack of
tourism demand in that country. For example- in Paris, when there were terrorists incidents, they
did not affect the country but also the world economy. They make the world's life and economy
7

including the tourism industry. An impact created due to terrorists attacks, a number of travellers
cancelled their booking and reserved tickets worldwide. There was a drop in the tourism traffic
which affected those countries which highly depend on tourism industry, such as- hotels,
transportation, restaurants etc. got affected.
Pricing is one of the important factor which effects by tourism. In this relations, business
organisations, like Thomas Cook have to change their pricing policies as per the changing
environment. For instance – in Paris after terrorists incidents, insurance firms charged high
where had terrorist attacks or higher chances of occurring. Apart from this, hospitality industries
also takes high charges in such areas. Similarly, transportation companies may also charge a
higher rate for carrying goods from or to risky areas (Aissa and Goaied, 2016). The instant effect
of terrorism is raising the demand of these products like food and oil supplied etc. due to their
shortage. Therefore, business management has to keep in view uncertainty while formulating
pricing strategy. The situation of commodity market is relatively different, where prices may
fluctuate quickly with the flow of information, the price must soften in for those commodities.
Hence, due to higher prices people of an economy cannot afford such products and services and
cannot live a better lifestyle.
Different measures to diminish terrorism activities
Terrorism can be defined as violent activities that are intended in order to create fear
among public. Its aim is of meeting political, religious and ideological goals. Along with this,
often civilians are targeted in these incidents that could have been on such places like- hotels,
airports, hospitals etc. Paris, (2011) states that terrorism activities can harm individuals life in an
adverse manner. Therefore, in order to reduce the effect of tourism it is essential for the
government of Paris to develop certain laws and policies regrading safety and security. It has to
maintain situational awareness surrounding people all the times and also pay attention to
unethical activities that are occurred in a country. Legal authorities have to take instance
decisions on the persons those who are involved in terrorists activities.
Apart from this, there are several private security firms that could helps in the fight
against terrorism by using different processes. For example – these firms reports to the Federal
Bureau of investigations so that investigations can be carried out into various activities.
Reporting to suspicious acts, deployment of people around key events, abandonment of vehicles;
adversity to security measures and reporting to legal bodies are the essentials towards
8

diminishing security measures (Enders and Olson, 2012). Apart from this, it is the moral duty of
individuals to be vigilant at public places that are vulnerable to bomb attacks.
Recommend ways to improve tourism in Paris
In Paris, tourism is considered as most significance part on which every country must to
be proud of. In order to promote itself, it is essential for tourism destinations to use different new
and innovative methods, like internet, social media, video advertisements etc. so as to reach large
group of customers. Along with this, tourism agencies need to conduct a market research so as to
know current market trends and customers' demands as well (Buigut and Amendah, 2016).
Government also have to improve its infrastructure for attracting and retaining visitors for long
term period. Apart from this, they also have to create some marketing campaigns so as to tell
people about future tourism plan of the company. It is essential for government to reduce tax
rates and duties on tourism activities so as people can easily attract towards it. Legal authorities
have to improve historical monuments and other ancients sites in order to retain the interest of
people. Along with this, business entities are required to increase the security forces so as to
reduce terrorists attacks. Security forces are liable to check entry and exists of people.
Government can also invites foreign direct investments so that foreign companies can get chance
to explore in other countries. It helps in improving political relations of both nations as well as
increase the economic condition. In context of tourism agencies like Thomas Cook can sell niche
tourism areas separately in order to gain higher profitability and sales. Now these days, there are
several social media channels, i.e. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn through which tour operators can
easily reach large group of customers.
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
2.1 Use of resources properly in order to met with hypothesis and questions
Resources plays an imperative role in completion of any activity of task. It is
fundamental for an investigator to determine required resources in order to meet all goals and
objectives. The person has to utilise and opt effective resources that are assistive for meeting
research questions in the best possibles. These resources also have to be able to identify the
actual research problem and determine its various solutions (Meierrieks and Gries, 2012). Along
with this, research questions and hypothesis is prepared with the assistance of research aims and
objectives. Then, such questions are evaluated on the basis of viewpoints of different authors.
There are two types of resources are used in completion of this research project, such as- primary
9

and secondary. In which primary sources are those which helps in gathering information for the
first time. It is real time data that are collected by the researcher himself; it is the process of
collecting and making use of data in the best possible manner. Apart from this, secondary
resources are discuss, interpret, evaluate and analyse and process primary sources. Researcher
can collect the material for secondary resources from magazines, newspapers, books and
journals; then the information is gathered from someone else original researcher. The present
research is used primary and secondary sources of data in order to gather information towards a
specific topic.
2.2 Methodology related with data collection process
There are different types of methods that are being opt by researcher for effective and
proper completion of research project. It is crucial for them to conduct a survey on chosen
population so that better and real facts can be achieved. The data collection process required a
suitable framework that makes a proper study involving all necessary outcomes (Mansfeld and
Winckler, 2015). Hence, the research methodology is used by Thomas Cook in order to
determine the effect of terrorism on tourism income in Paris is stated as under: -
Aims and objectives – The aim of research project is to “To determine the effect of
terrorism activities and its impact on tourism income of PARIS”. For this, management is
required to conduct a survey and taking reviews of different people so as to identify the
effectiveness of elements properly.
Sources of data – Collection of proper information from various sources is really
beneficial for an investigator to get better outcomes. Different sources are assistive in getting
proper information for a research through which necessary decisions can be carried out in a
proper manner. There are two types of sources of data collection, such as- primary and
secondary. In primary sources, data is gathered through questionnaires, interviews, focus groups
etc. through which effective and relevant information c an be collected. Apart from this,
secondary resources of data collection consists with that information that is previously collected
form another researcher and now it is used for same purpose in order to make better research
project.
For completion of this project, researcher is used primary sources of information, it
increases the chances of ethical considerations and reliability. Thus, it helps in gathering proper
information so that effective considered taken into account.
10