ORCID

Abstract

This study is an investigation of the awareness and preparedness amongst the tourism and event industries of the threat of a marine-based terrorist attack. The purpose was to determine the extent of the threat of a marine-based terrorist attack to the tourism and event industries operating in coastal areas in the United Kingdom and gain an in depth understanding of the perception, awareness, and preparedness of marine-based terrorist risk held by the multiple stakeholders involved. This research took a qualitative approach obtaining the expert testimonies of senior operatives in the field who have been involved in the emergency response to major terrorist attacks worldwide who have provided a detailed insight into the global terrorist landscape. Key stakeholders for the tourism and event industries operating in coastal destinations within the South West of England were interviewed providing insight into any mitigation measures being taken at the present time and future industry leaders across the region participated in tabletop counterterrorism exercises, providing a broad industry perspective. Significant findings include the perception of water as a barrier, rather than a point of access that can prevent the retention of information relating to marine-based terrorism and that existing risk management models are ineffective when applied in this context. This is because there is an assumption that the assessor has the ability to identify, assess, and manage risk but without prior knowledge this is impossible. This has indicated a critical need for the addition of a pre-identification stage to increase awareness and perception of risk. Analysis of the data has identified significant areas of vulnerability that currently exist around the coastline due to inadequate levels of protective security in coastal areas and within the territorial waters of the UK. The study concluded that the extent of the threat of a marine-based terrorist attack is severe, indicating that an attack is likely. Despite this, the tourism and event industries operating in coastal areas are currently unaware and unprepared for marine-based terrorist threats. The results of the study have enabled the development of a Marine-Based Terrorist Risk Management Framework and accessible toolkit informed by industry that will be developed to meet their specific requirements. This is particularly timely with the introduction of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 that came into effect on the 3rd of April 2025 (Home Office, 2025).

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Date

2025

Embargo Period

2025-07-01

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