This document provides an abstract and introduction for a dissertation analyzing the effects of terrorism on tourists attending mega events in the UK. The dissertation will examine how past terrorist attacks, such as 9/11 and the 7/7 London bombings, have impacted public perception and willingness to attend large events. The author conducted primary and secondary research on tourism patterns, public attitudes towards terrorism, and safety procedures at events. The dissertation aims to determine if terrorism has negatively affected event attendance in the UK and provide recommendations to improve people's comfort and willingness to attend.

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Business management:
Analysis of the effects of terrorist attacks on tourists
attending to mega events within the UK.
Louise Coyne
H03205
A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the
requirements of the University of Chester for the degree of
business management AND Events Management.
WARRINGTON SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT
MAY 2014.

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Abstract
This research is about the effects of terrorism on tourists attending mega
events in the United Kingdom (UK). To do this I carried out primary and
secondary research looking at the public perception of terrorism and how this
affects not only our behavior but also our willingness to attend mega events
within the UK. My own research shows that there is 100% awareness of the
threat of terrorism but perception is dictated by the individual’s personality,
attitude and subsequent behaviour related to attending events. Further research
needs to be carried out around safety procedures in order to improve peoples’
willingness to attend events but not so extensive that they spoil the experience.
To understand the effects of terrorism, I have researched two separate terrorist
activities: the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center in New York and the 7/7
bombings in London; which my research proved were the most memorable
attacks of the last 15 years.

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The effects of terrorism on mega events in the UK.
Introduction
This dissertation has researched terrorism and the effects it has on
tourists attending mega events within the UK. Terrorism can be explained and
thought of in many different lights, The economist (1996) states that ‘terrorism
is about the use of violence to spread terror, and the violence is aimed
specifically at civilians’, Rathbone and Rowley (2002) define terrorism as the
intent to intimidate a government, in order for them to follow specific political
demands. For this dissertation, I have questioned and researched the public
perception on terrorism and how past attacks have impacted the publics’ view
and attendance at events within the United Kingdom (UK). During the last 15
years there have been a number of terrorist attacks at events both in and outside
the UK, I have researched the impact of both to explore any similarities or
differences between them. I have looked particularly at the 2001 attack on the
World Trade Center in New York (9/11), the London bombings of 2005 (7/7),
the Boston marathon in America in 2013 and the murder of Lee Rigby in London
in 2013. I have used examples such as these to view the impact of the terrorist
attacks on the populations’ behavioural patterns.
The rationale for this research is to understand whether or not past
terrorist attacks have affected peoples’ attitudes towards attending mega events.
I have focused on tourist destinations and significant organised events as this is
often a chosen target for attack. Enders & Sandler (2008) explain that studies
show terrorist attacks have had a significant negative effect on the number of
tourists visiting Spain; Bennett and Bray (2014) agree, stating that the effects of
a terrorist attack on tourist destinations have a definite adverse effect on the
countries economy. From this research I want to gain an understanding of the
attendance and behaviour of tourists at mega events and how this is affected by
terrorism. If, at the end of the research, there are any recommendations to make
to event management companies or local governments, I plan to share the
information and try to develop new ideas and procedures, perhaps leading to

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further research.
Throughout this dissertation I will review the literature which I have
researched; I will discuss the methodology, the approach used throughout the
research; I will present my findings in a variety of forms and analyse these
findings relating them back to the literature and will finish by drawing
appropriate conclusions, discussing the limitations of my research approach,
offer recommendations and further suggestions for research.
Researchquestion
What are the effects of terrorism on tourists attending mega events in the United
Kingdom?
ResearchObjectives
The following research objectives were set prior to research taking place, in
order to answer the research question effectively. When setting research
objectives I had to ensure that they were SMART, that is: specific, measurable,
achievable, realistic and time constrained. Ambler (2012) says SMART objectives
are necessary to understand the important distinction between goals and
objectives.
 Question and research whether or not terrorism has had an effect on
attendance at mega events in the United Kingdom and if so, what?
 Review two terrorist attacks that have taken place, one at home and one
abroad, and the effect on public perception.
 Discuss what the public perception of the threat of terrorism at
mega events is and whether it has affected their willingness to
attend.
 Critically review the links between the literature and the research
findings.

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 If attendance at events has been affected by the threat of terrorist
attack, identify any recommendations to improve the situation.