World Tourism Organization condemns Bali attacks

The World Tourism Organization yesterday condemned, in the most vigorous terms possible, the recent attacks in Indonesia's island of Bali, a favourite tourist destination for numerous international visitors.

WTO Secretary-General Francesco Frangialli, who is at an official visit to Mexico City, has expressed his condolences and sympathy in a letter to the Minister of Tourism of Indonesia, Gede Ardika, and has assured him that the World Tourism Organization is at his disposal to help in dealing with this situation.

"On behalf of the World Tourism Organization, its Member States and the entire international tourism community, we wholeheartedly condemn the violent incident which took so many lives. It was an act of cowardice, committed against innocent tourists who were engaged in recreational activities. Terrorism has once again hit at the very root of tourism, a peaceful industry which is beyond political and religious considerations and whose very objective is to promote international peace and understanding," WTO Secretary-General wrote in his letter.

Indonesia is one of the great countries of tourism, receiving a total of 5.2 million international tourists in 2001, and Bali is undoubtedly one of the archipelago's most attractive destinations.

"In the light of past experience with similar acts, such as those that took place in Luxor, Egypt and in Djerba, Tunisia, we know that Bali and Indonesia will inevitably suffer the consequences of this act over the next several months. However, the flow of long-haul tourists to other countries of Asia and the Pacific could also be affected," Mr. Frangialli stated in his message.

During the next meeting of the Tourism Recovery Committee to be held in London on 12 November, with the attendance of Leticia Navarro Ochoa, the Tourism Secretary of Mexico, among other participants, the World Tourism Organization shall mobilize all of its resources to minimize the impact of this heinous act on tourism in Indonesia, Asia and the world.

The participation of Mexico in this collective action is especially important, as yesterday it was appointed Chairman of the WTO Market Intelligence and Promotion Committee.