political situations and unforeseen occurrences

Question 1

What are political situations ?

Answer 1

Political situations are events that are linked to the political circumstances within a country or region

Question 2

What are unforeseen occurrences

Answer 2

Unforeseen occurrences are events that happen without any warning such as earthquakes and
natural disasters

Question 3

Give three examples of political situations

Answer 3

2.1 Civil war
A civil war is a war between opposing groups of citizens of the same country. Civil wars have recently
occurred in Libya, Egypt, Somalia and Kenya.
2.2 Terrorism
Terrorism is the use of violent acts to achieve a political goal. One of the most significant terrorist
attacks in recent years was the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York.
2.3 General unrest
Unrest is an uneasy or troubled condition. General unrest in Zimbabwe has stopped almost all of the
tourism into that country

Question 4

Give seven examples of an unforeseen occurrence

Answer 4

3.1 Tsunamis
A tsunami is a series of very large ocean waves caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic
eruption which damage infrastructure, buildings, attractions, ports, coastlines and beaches.
3.2 Earthquakes
An earthquake is a sudden and violent shaking of the ground caused by
movements within the earth’s crust or volcanic activity, and can cause great
destruction
3.3 Natural disasters
A natural disaster is an event caused by the forces of nature such as a tornado and can cause great
destruction.
3.4 Global recession
A global recession is a period of general economic decline around the world and has a direct impact
on tourism demand because people have less disposable income to spend.
3.5 Diseases
A disease is an abnormal condition which interrupts the normal bodily functions leading to feelings
of pain and weakness. Diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, and more recently bird flu and swine
flu, not only make travelling fearful of visiting certain areas.
3.6 Accidents
Transport accidents can have a negative impact on tourist numbers as they affect the safety image
of a destination.
3.7 Economic upsets
Tourism establishments such as hotels and tourist attractions can experience economic upsets when
they have financial trouble or difficulty as a result of low visitor numbers.

Question 5

what is impact of political situations and unforeseen occurrences on international tourism and the
economy of the affected country

Answer 5

• Travellers who have already booked will may cancel their trips
• Tourists who haven’t yet booked trips to affected areas delay their bookings or may go
  elsewhere
• Tour operators avoid booking trips to affected countries
• Airlines suspend their flights to affected areas