Security, Peace, Terrorism and Risk Perception in Four European Tourism Strategies: Discourse Analysis

Abstract

This study examines how the Finnish national tourism strategy addresses security issues andcompares it with the French, German, and Spanish tourism strategies. Security and peace are fundamental prerequisites for tourism development, as terrorism and violence can halt tourism and cause severe economic impact, though tourism typically recovers relatively quickly due to tourists' short memory.

Risk perception appears consistent across cultures, with destination choice influenced byfamiliarity gained through media, previous experiences, and social networks. This research employs critical discourse analysis to examine security-related discourses in four national tourism strategies, exploring both explicit and implicit approaches to addressing security concerns. Critical discourse analysis reveals how those controlling information shape public discourse and opinion, demonstrating that knowledge constitutes power.

The findings reveal that three strategies employ subtle approaches to security discourse, while one directly addresses terrorism and security issues without euphemistic language.