Published by Communications and Public Affairs 519 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338

News Release

July 06, 2006

Tourism Security Expert Coming to Campus

A leading expert in “tourism security” who facilitated a conference in Aruba following the disappearance of a U.S. high school student will visit the University of Guelph next week.

During a meeting with faculty and students from the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM), Peter E. Tarlow will discuss plans for a conference in Guelph next year on security risk management.

“Tourism and travel are highly volatile industries, impacted by politics, world events, health and economics,” said Prof. Marion Joppe, HTM’s director. “While many of these circumstances are beyond our control, there are things that industry leaders can do to prepare for such challenges and to lessen the negative effects. That will be the focus of next year’s conference.”

Tarlow is an author and expert on the impact of crime and terrorism on the tourism industry, event risk management and economic development. He was in Aruba in June as co-ordinator of the First Caribbean Tourism Security Conference held one year after Natalee Holloway, an Alabama high school student, disappeared during a graduation trip.

Holloway’s disappearance was another reminder of how high-profile crimes, terrorist acts such as 9/11 and the anthrax episodes, and health concerns such as SARS and avian flu may wreak havoc on tourism, said Joppe. “The industry must face this reality.”

Other tourism-related discussions during Tarlow’s visit are expected to focus on taxation, fuel costs, security and safety issues, wireless communications, and poor travel conditions.

Tarlow has a PhD in sociology from Texas A&M University. He also holds degrees in history, in Spanish and Hebrew literatures, and in psychotherapy. He is a contributing author of Tourism, Crime and International Security Issues, the first major book on tourism security, and co-editor of War, Terrorism and Tourism.

** NOTE TO MEDIA: Tarlow will be available for media interviews on Monday, July 10 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Heritage Room of the Macdonald Institute (Room 102). To arrange an interview, please contact Lori Bona Hunt, 519-824-4120, Ext. 53338 or Rachelle Cooper, Ext. 56982.