The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has said it is appalled and saddened about the continuing violence in Mumbai.

The attacks, which began late on Wednesday night and come after a wave of bombings in India in recent years, had killed more than 140 people by Friday afternoon, including at least six foreign tourists.The WTTC says the latest violence appears to have specifically targeted popular tourist sites, including two of the city’s leading hotels: the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower and the nearby Oberoi Trident.

Indian troops were still continuing to clear the last terrorists from buildings across Mumbai, and according to news reports, some hostages were still being held at both hotels.

“We would like to express our deep sympathy to all those who have been directly affected by the terrorist attacks,” said Geoffrey J W Kent, Chairman of WTTC, “as well as our strong support of India’s Travel & Tourism industry at this difficult time.”

Jean-Claude Baumgarten, WTTC’s President & CEO, is on his way to Mumbai, where he will meet with key industry and government leaders to offer WTTC support.

“It is important to remember at this difficult time that, however terrible, such terrorist attacks cannot undermine the resilience of Travel & Tourism,” said Baumgarten, “an industry that cements peace and understanding.

“We are confident that, as in the past, Travel & Tourism will once again show its capacity for recovery,” he added.
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