Tourism body says 'don't let the terrorists win'
Tuesday, 01 Nov 2005 16:34
Delhi is attempting to get back to normal following Saturday's attacks
A leading tourist organisation is urging people to carry on travelling despite the latest terrorist bombings – this time in the Indian capital of Delhi.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) said the industry is ready to support the city, which was hit by three bomb attacks – killing 62 people – on Saturday.
And it said that people must keep travelling to spread peace and defeat the terrorists.
Security has been stepped up in Delhi and other Indian cities following Saturday's attacks, which also injured over 200.
The attack comes less than a month after the Indonesian island of Bali was hit by three bomb attacks, killing 25 people.
Jean-Claude Baumgarten, president of the WTTC said: "Our hearts go out to the people of Delhi who have been hit at a time which should be for celebration and festivity. The global travel and tourism industry stands ready to support this city, so rich in culture and energy, as it emerges from the devastation of these attacks."
Mr Baumgarten continued: "Despite the recent attacks in various corners of the world, the travel and tourism industry continues to show resilience. People must continue to travel in order to defeat the terrorists’ aims and to spread peace and understanding across continents and between peoples."
The UK Foreign Office is continuing to urge travellers to exercise caution, particularly at popular tourist sites and public events, but has not changed the overall level of its advice.
The first blast occurred near Dehli's main railway in the central neighbourhood of Paharganj, killing 16 people.
Minutes later a blast at Sarojini Nagar killed 43 people, while a third blast on a bus at Govindpuri seriously injured the driver and conductor.
UK foreign secretary Jack Straw offered his sympathy to the people of India. "I utterly condemn the appalling attacks in Delhi, which appear to have been targeted at heavily populated areas to produce maximum carnage," he said.
The British High Commission in Delhi has established an emergency co-ordination centre, but after a check of local hospitals, found no British casualties.
The attacks occurred as the Indian capital was preparing for this week's religious festivals – the Hindu festival of Diwali and the Muslim festival of Eid.
To read the Foreign Office's travel advice for India see:
www.fco.gov.uk.