Passengers want tighter security

With the threat of terrorist attacks still looming large, passengers are in favour of tighter security at hubs such as Manchester Airport, claims the Air Transport Users Council (AUC).

A poll of 3,000 executives across the UK carried out as part of the 2008 Barclaycard Business Travel Survey revealed that 48 per cent wanted to see enhanced security on other forms of transport but this was not exclusive to business passengers, according to the AUC.

James Fremantle, industry affairs manager for the AUC, said: "All passengers, not just business passengers want strict and correct security but at the same time they don't want to be greatly inconvenienced by it."

According to Mr Fremantle, passengers are happy with further security controls, such as the face recognition technology for those with biometric passports which is being trialled at Manchester Airport, if the government deems it necessary.

"I think in the end passengers are quite happy to put their faith in the government and if the government feel transport needs extra security then passengers will have to accept that," he added.

The World Tourism Organisation claims that uncertainty over the global economic situation is affecting consumer confidence and could hurt tourism demand in the coming months.

Posted by Graham Greenaway on the 17/09/2008 16:39:41
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