UNWTO , IATA condemn attack at the Istanbul Ataturk Airport
TravelBizNews Post —
Madrid / Geneva : UNWTO and IATA have strongly condemned the attack perpetrated at the Istanbul Ataturk Airport on behalf of international tourism community. These world organizations expressed heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims and to the Turkish people in this difficult moment.
The death toll in a gun and suicide bomb attack on Istanbul’s Ataturk airport has risen to 41, 13 of them foreign nationals, with 239 injured, the Turkish city’s governor says.Three attackers arrived in a taxi and began firing at the terminal entrance late on June 28 and blew themselves up after police fired back, BBC reports.
PM Binali Yildirim said early signs pointed to so-called Islamic State.However, no-one has so far admitted carrying out the attack.Turkey has declared Wednesday a day of national mourning.
UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai recalled that safety and security is a priority for the tourism sector and that the sector is being targeted as a pillar of the economy and livelihoods in many countries. He called upon the international tourism community to stand by Turkey in facing this challenge and recalled that at times as this “we need to cooperate and not isolate affected destinations”.
“Turkey is a leading tourism destination and we are confident it will continue to be so; it is now time to support Turkey” he added.
Likewise , the International Air Transport Association (IATA) expressed outrage at last night’s attack at Atatürk Airport Istanbul, Turkey.”Once again, innocent travelers have been attacked in a cowardly and murderous act. Our thoughts are with the victims, and their families and friends,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO.
“Air transport brings people together and facilitates both social and economic development. Istanbul has a particularly significant and historical role in connecting East and West. Last night’s attack was a broad attack on our shared humanity. But terrorism will never succeed in reversing the interconnectedness of the world. The desire of the human spirit to explore and trade will always triumph over suspicion and fear. That Istanbul airport is operating today is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Turkish people and the aviation industry. We stand together in solidarity-confident that we will emerge stronger and more united in our resolve to keep connecting our world,” said Tyler.
“The safety and security of passengers are our top priorities. This tragedy in Istanbul and the one in Brussels earlier this year show that there is a growing challenge for governments to keep people safe in the ‘landside’ parts of the airport. Moving people ‘airside’ more quickly can help to mitigate risk. The industry has a number of initiatives in place to achieve that aim and we are working with governments and airports to implement them,” said Tyler.
June 29, 2016
