10/11/2005

London - 10 November 2005 - The World Travel & Tourism Council is shocked and deeply saddened by the suicide bomb attacks in Amman, Jordan yesterday. The Council sends its condolences to all whose lives have been touched by this atrocity.

Yet again, terrorist organizations have sought to undermine confidence and cause widespread devastation. The speedy reaction of both the Jordanian authorities and international companies involved is to be commended and shows how, once again, the international community refuses to be defeated by terrorism.

Jean-Claude Baumgarten, WTTC President said, "Our hearts go out to all Jordanians at this difficult time. It goes without saying that we fully condemn this attack in which was not an attack on Travel & Tourism but an attack on humanity itself - as shown by the fact that a wedding was targeted. WTTC pledges its full support to the Government of Jordan and the Ministry of Tourism as they come to terms with this tragedy and move forward."

Jordan has long been a beacon of peace and hope in the Middle East and has seen its Travel & Tourism industry grow as a result. WTTC is confident that the industry will show resilience and the country will continue to be a leading Travel & Tourism player in the Middle East in the future. Early indications show that tourist numbers are as normal in centres such as Petra and Akaba.

Mr Baumgarten continued, "I call upon all sectors of the Travel & Tourism industry, both globally and in Jordan, to come together and work to ensure that the significant economic and social benefits of our industry in Jordan are sustained. Furthermore, it is absolutely vital that people all over the world continue to travel, not only to support communities affected by such attacks, but to give a clear message to the perpetrators that the world will not give in to them."

WTTC's TSA Research for Jordan
Travel & Tourism in Jordan in 2005 is expected to generate USD 3,059.3 million of economic activity (Total Demand).

Jordan's Travel & Tourism Economy (direct and indirect impact) in 2005 is expected to account for 16.1 per cent of GDP and 217,940 jobs (14.7 per cent of total employment).

Jordan's Travel & Tourism is expected to grow 8.3 per cent in 2005 and by 5.0 per cent per annum, in real terms, between 2006 and 2015.

About WTTC

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is the business leaders' forum for Travel & Tourism, working with governments to raise awareness of the importance of the industry, which is the world's largest generator of wealth and jobs.

Contact

For further information, please contact Louise Oram, at the World Travel & Tourism Council on telephone number 44 (0) 20 7481 8007, or by email at louise@wttc.org .