§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what guidelines are given to British tour operators on the removal of British tourists from areas abroad where there is a reported threat to health or safety. [18309]
§ Mr. David DavisTour operators have access to FCO travel advice on threats to personal safety arising from political unrest, lawlessness, violence, natural disasters and epidemics. When the safety of British tourists overseas is threatened, British consular staff liaise closely with tour operators to ensure that effective action is taken.
If the local security situation is serious enough for evacuation of British nationals to be considered, consuls advise tour operators to withdraw their tourists as soon as possible. The Department of Health takes the lead on threats to the health of British travellers abroad, liaising as necessary with the Federation of Tour Operators, the Association of British Travel Agents and British consular staff.