India-based Creative Travel Marketing Director Mr Rajeev Kohli was quick to issue a statement to stakeholders in the aftermath of the three bombs that rocked the
northern Indian pilgrimage city of Varanasi on Tuesday.“India is calm. We are a large country and a country that is
determined not to be cowed by a few. At this time we have no reason
for panic or concern ... all our guests are safe and out of harm’s
way.”
    Mr Kohli wrote: “Varanasi is a town
of religious significance to Hindus ... there is also a large Muslim
population in the city. Both communities have co-existed in peace and
harmony for centuries. These bomb attacks are considered to be
attempts to destabilise that harmony.”
 
PATA President and CEO Mr Peter de Jong said: “PATA condemns the
Varanasi attacks and all terrorist attacks. The travel industry and
consumers should stay fully informed and proceed with their travel
plans.”
    Varanasi is in the state of Uttar
Pradesh and is roughly 780 kilometres from Delhi. The first explosion
took place in the Sankat Mochan temple, which is dedicated to the
Hindu god Hanuman, at about 1815 local time on Tuesday. Minutes later,
the city’s main railway station was rocked by two blasts. Authorities
have confirmed 20 fatalities, with dozens
injured.
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