Tour operators scheduled to visit Barcelona in the coming days have confirmed they have no current plans to change any future trips despite overnight’s incident.
Some 16 people were killed and 100 others injured when a white van entered a pedestrian zone in Barcelona’s bustling Las Ramblas, which attracts hundreds of tourists every night with its set up of market stalls, street performers and tapas bars.
In the early hours of Friday morning, tourists were ushered off the popular tree-lined street and into cafes where they were told to remain until authorities gave the all-clear for them to return to their accommodation.
Barcelona attack: Spanish police say shot terrorists in Cambrils, van attack and Alcanar explosion all "linked": https://t.co/LDD0qlFWci pic.twitter.com/iAQlGq0H2q
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) August 18, 2017
So far, Catalan police have confirmed 16 fatalities, and around 100 injuries, including one Australian who is in a stable condition in hospital.
G Adventures, Intrepid Travel, Topdeck and the Globus Family of Brands confirmed to KarryOn that their clients were not directly affected by the incident. The brands also confirmed no current plans to change upcoming trips to Barcelona.
Globus Family of Brands
“We are saddened by the reports from Barcelona of a terrorist attack and our thoughts are with those affected. Globus Family of Brands’ clients were not directly impacted by this incident and itineraries are currently proceeding as scheduled.”
Intrepid Travel
“Intrepid did not have any passengers on the ground in Barcelona during the time of the incident. At this stage no changes will be made to future departures but we will continue to monitor the situation closely, as the safety of our passengers and staff is our number one priority.”
G Adventures
“At the time of the incident G Adventures didn’t have any groups in Barcelona. The first group is due to arrive tomorrow, at this stage there are no plans to reroute them.”
Trafalgar, Insight Vacations & Contiki
“Trafalgar and Insight Vacations currently have no groups in Barcelona. We have two Contiki trips operating in Barcelona. Both groups were travelling on their coaches at the time and are safe and well.”
DFAT
Australians planning to visit or currently in Barcelona are being advised to follow instructions from local authorities.
“Exercise heightened caution in popular tourist locations and places where crowds gather across Spain. Terrorists may seek to target European countries, including Spain, during the European summer.”