12/07/2006

London - 12 July 2006 - The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is appalled and saddened by the bomb attacks which occurred on Tuesday in Mumbai , India . The Council and its Members offer their most sincere condolences to those affected by this horrific attack.

Jean-Claude Baumgarten, WTTC President said: "This is yet another example of terrorist groups' attempts to undermine confidence and cause widespread destruction and chaos, in what has become a global conflict."

In a letter to the Minister of Tourism, WTTC commended the Indian security authorities on their speedy response to the attacks and the Council has offered its full support to the Indian Ministry of Tourism to ensure that the country's Travel & Tourism is able to continue to grow and that those livelihoods which depend on the industry are sustained.

Baumgarten added: "Travel & Tourism is one of India 's largest economies, accounting for 2.1 per cent of total GDP and creating over 24 million jobs. Although the short-term impact of these attacks on tourism in India may be significant, the long-term outlook remains positive."

In light of recent attacks around the world, it is clear that destinations affected by such attacks, the Travel & Tourism industry on which their economies are based and tourists themselves, are becoming increasingly resilient and the Council urges the inter national community to continue to travel.

About The World Travel & Tourism Council

WTTC is the forum for business leaders in the Travel & Tourism industry. With Chief Executives of some one hundred of the world's leading Travel & Tourism companies as its Members, WTTC has a unique mandate and overview on all matters related to Travel & Tourism.

WTTC works to raise awareness of Travel & Tourism as one of the world's largest industries, employing approximately 230 million people and generating over 10 per cent of world GDP.

Further Information
For more information, please contact WTTC at enquiries@wttc.org or visit www.wttc.org