Following an attack on London Bridge on Saturday, which came
a little more than one week after a suicide bombing at a concert in Manchester,
the European Tour Operators Association (ETOA) issued a statement Monday
assuring that the U.K. is a safe destination.
"London Bridge was newsworthy
because of the intentional nature of what happened. It does not alter
the assurance that the U.K. remains one of the safest countries in the
world to be a pedestrian. It will still be one of the safest countries
on earth to visit," the ETOA said.
The ETOA added, "The purpose of such attacks is to
provoke a disproportionate response. So it is important to view this in
context."
The ETOA noted that U.K. visitors will notice an increased police
presence.
"Anyone attending a concert or festival, or indeed going to a major
sporting event will see armed police," the ETOA said. "Some major attractions, such as
Westminster Abbey, are increasing the intensity of visitor screening. Other than this, there is no other
interference with the normal conduct of life."
According to the ETOA, access to Borough Market was still
severely restricted on Monday and London Bridge was only allowing northbound
traffic through. The Borough High Street entrance to London Bridge Underground
station was closed, which was expected to make other entrances to the
Underground more crowded. Both London Bridge Underground and London Bridge
Overground stations remained open.
The London-based ETOA promotes guided vacation travel
throughout Europe.