World tourism community and org. condemn attacks in Paris
TravelBizNews Report —-
Paris – World tourism organizations and the international community have condemned a series of terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday (Nov. 14) that killed at least 130 people. The attacks wounded at least 180 people, most of them are in a critical condition.
Several shootings and bombings took place across Paris Friday night at the Bataclan theater and concert hall where hundreds of people were attending a rock concert. The targets included bars, restaurants, a concert and a high-profile football match. The gunmen opened fire on Le Carillon bar in the rue Alibert.
French President Francois Hollande said the attacks carried out by eight gunmen and suicide bombers were organised and planned from outside. He has declared three days of national mourning in France.
These are the deadliest attacks in peacetime France and the worst atrocity in Europe since the 2004 Madrid bombings according to French media .
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has condemned the tragic attacks perpetrated in Paris. UNWTO has expressed its heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims and to the French people in this difficult moment on behalf of the international tourism community,
“On behalf of the international tourism community, UNWTO conveys its heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims and expresses its full solidarity with the people and the Government of France” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. “We are facing a global threat and this is not an attack on France, it is an attack against us all” he added.
Likewise, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has condemned in the strongest terms this terrible attack on the people of Paris.
WTTC President & CEO, David Scowsill, said: “We are deeply saddened by the attacks in Paris last night that have taken many innocent lives. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of all the victims of this brutal attack. Our thoughts are with them at this terrible time.”
“Terrorism is a global problem, which has now hit Paris again with such devastation. We stand with the people and the Government of France at this time. It is by continuing to stand together that we can face the challenges of the global threat of terror.”
Similarly, China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) also paid high attention to the incident. It demanded its bureau in Paris to closely follow the developments of the attacks, and asked Chinese travel agencies to enhance safety precautions among tour groups that visit France.
The CNTA also warned Chinese tourists in France to abide by local laws and safety regulations and not to go to areas where the attacks occurred or places of public gathering .A total of 40 Chinese tour groups and 1,299 Chinese tourists were staying in Paris on Friday, according to the CNTA.
The so-called Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the attacks in Paris. In a statement published online, the jihadist group said the attacks were designed to show France it remained a top target.
The group claims it studied the target locations and carried out the attack using “eight brothers wearing explosive belts and carrying assault rifles”.
The international community urged all to be united against terrorism and extremism saying this an attack against humanity.
Nov.14, 2015
