There is no doubt that the tourism industry has learned a great deal from the recent experiences of foot and mouth disease and the events of 11 September 2001 which should stand it in good stead. Similarities with the previous Gulf War do not necessarily apply now. In the early 1990s the US consumer felt safer at home. Whether that is still true to the same extent, having regard to the impact of the events of 11 September 2001 and other terrorist attacks worldwide, is difficult to judge. Today's more well informed independent traveller might not be as easily deterred from travelling as previously. The tourism sector in Ireland is a mature and resilient industry which has a proven capacity to deal with external shocks. The major difference between the previous two crises and the Iraqi situation is that the industry has had good notice.