***** Tourism, Security & Safety: From Theory to Practice. Yoel Mansfeld and Abraham Pizam, Eds. Published by Butterworth-Heinemann; available from ASIS International, Item #1704; 703/519-6200 (phone); www.asisonline.org [1] (Web); 361 pages; $60 (ASIS members), $66 (nonmembers).

According to a 2005 study, tourism accounted for nearly $680 billion in sales worldwide—more than those of any one export industry. This large economic sector is put at risk, however, by events that deter tourists, such as terrorist attacks.

For those charged with protecting the sector and its customers, Tourism, Security & Safety provides a comprehensive theory of tourism security and a multidisciplinary approach to crisis management.

This text brings together a collection of 28 thorough and well-researched articles by academics and professionals from within and without the field of security. The contributors leave no stone unturned, from the negative impact that crime has on the return rate of tourists to the effect that wildlife attacks have on adventure tourism.

The chapter titled "Tourism, Safety, and Security" reminds us of the attractive soft-target opportunities awaiting exploitation by publicity-seeking terror groups. According to contributor Peter Tarlow, the majority of today’s terrorists are "apocalyptic," operating under a mentality of "restorative nostalgia," meaning a desire to turn time backward via violent means. Islamic terror groups fit the category best, Tarlow says. Tourism is an ideal target because of the wealth and indulgence it represents to these groups.

Of particular interest to security professionals will be sections titled "The Risk Construct in Travel Behavior" and "Communication of Security Information: A Vital Strategy in Tourism Crisis Management." These are devoted to the role security information plays in crisis management.

Thanks to the masterful editing of Abraham Pizam of University of Central Florida and Yoel Mansfeld of the University of Haifa, Israel, the reader will find chapters well organized with discussion material, definitions, review questions, and case study critiques at each chapter’s end.

The book even offers equations to help readers quantify and evaluate their crisis management practices—a great opportunity for security professionals to exercise their mathematical gray matter.

Tourism, Security & Safety is a precious resource for the security professional seeking a book that encompasses safety, security, and crisis management engineered to address the impact of sudden disruptive events.

Reviewer: Richard Petraitis, CPP, is a private detective working in the state of Illinois. He is a member of ASIS International.

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