UNWTO, WTTC Strongly Condemn Attacks in Brussels

The aftermath in the departures hall at Brussels Zaventem airport following the explosions . Photo © Jef Versele

The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) have strongly condemned the attacks in Brussels on 22 March 2016.

Deadly terrorist attacks took place on Tuesday at Brussels international airport and at an inner-city metro station. The two explosions, one at Zaventem airport at approximately 8am local time, and a second at Maelbeek metro station an hour later have had a deadly toll of at least 28. According to media reports at least 13 died in the airport blast and 15 at Maelbeek.

UNWTO
On behalf of the international tourism community, UNWTO expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims and to the Belgian people in this difficult moment.

“On the 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 Belgium” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

“This is not an attack on Belgium, it is an attack on us all and sadly these tragic events remind us again that we are facing a global threat that needs to be addressed globally” he added.

WTTC
David Scowsill, President & CEO, WTTC, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear about today’s callous attacks in Brussels, which have caused terrible injuries and the loss of so many innocent lives. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the victims at this terrible time.

We live in a time when terror attacks are growing in frequency. We urge the governments around the world to work closely together to combat this global threat and to increase security measures on the ground and across borders through expanding intelligence sharing.  Enhancing security does not mean closing down borders.

We encourage governments to make policy decisions that balance safety of their citizens with continuing to facilitate travel for business and leisure purposes.”