UNWTO, WTTC condemn attack in Bangkok
TravelBizNews —-
Madrid / London : World travel and tourism organizations – UNWTO and WTTC have condemned deadly attack in a popular shrine in Bangkok, where more than 22 people dead and 123 injured .
UNWTO ,issuing a statement, said, “UNWTO is deeply saddened and shocked by the attack in Bangkok, Thailand. On the behalf of the global tourism community, UNWTO offers its heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims and reiterates its full support to the people and the Government of Thailand.”
“These are direct attacks on the livelihood of the Thai people and their economy which is strongly linked with tourism. We stand by the Government and the people of Thailand in supporting its tourism sector as a vital pillar of the wellbeing of Thai people”, said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.
“Terrorism is a global threat impacting our societies, taking the lives of innocent people around the world and aiming to destroy our economies and our way of life. Thailand has a long tradition of being a hospitable and welcoming country and we fully believe it will continue to be so”, he added.
Similarly, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) extended its condolences to the victims of the bomb attack that took place in the centre of Bangkok on 17 August 2015.
David Scowsill, President & CEO, WTTC, said: “It is highly regrettable that Thailand, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, has been the target of this violence. Fortunately Thailand has shown its resilience in the past from natural disasters and other disruptions, and we hope that the situation will stabilise and return to normal very quickly”.
According to WTTC reports , travel and tourism generated over THB2,345 billion ($US 72.2 billion) or 19.3% of the country’s GDP in 2014. The sector supported over 5 million jobs, representing 14% of total employment.
Thailand’s annual visitor exports, which is money spent by foreign travellers in the country, have more than doubled in the last decade, increasing from THB629 billion (US$19.4 billion) in 2005 to THB1,309 billion (US$40.3 billion) in 2014.
Meanwhile, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) conveyed deepest sympathy and condolences to all the victims of the blast and their families at this traumatic time.
According to a statement of TAT, Thai authorities have stepped up security at key locations in Bangkok following the explosion.
The spokesman of the Royal Thai Police stated that there have been a total of 22 casualties and 123 injuries .
Thai Police have requested that locals and tourists exercise caution when out and about in Bangkok. The Police have also increased their presence and put extra security in place at all of Bangkok’s key tourist areas in response to the incident.
Aug 20, 2015
