UNWTO Strongly Condemns Terrorist Attack in Bangkok

"These are direct attacks on the livelihood of the Thai people and their economy which is strongly linked with tourism. We stand by the Government and the people of Thailand in supporting its tourism sector as a vital pillar of the wellbeing of Thai people”, said Mr. Taleb Rifai.

UNWTO is deeply saddened and shocked by the attack in Bangkok, Thailand. On the behalf of the global tourism community, UNWTO offers its heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims and reiterates its full support to the people and the Government of Thailand.

“These are direct attacks on the livelihood of the Thai people and their economy which is strongly linked with tourism. We stand by the Government and the people of Thailand in supporting its tourism sector as a vital pillar of the wellbeing of Thai people”, said Mr. Taleb Rifai.

“Terrorism is a global threat impacting our societies, taking the lives of innocent people around the world and aiming to destroy our economies and our way of life. Thailand has a long tradition of being a hospitable and welcoming country and we fully believe it will continue to be so”, he added.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) extends its condolences to the victims of the bomb attack that took place in the center of Bangkok on 17 August 2015.

David Scowsill, President & CEO, WTTC, said: “I am extremely saddened by the news of the bomb attack in the center of Bangkok yesterday. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of all the victims of this incident.”

“It is highly regrettable that Thailand, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, has been the target of this violence.  Fortunately Thailand has shown its resilience in the past from natural disasters and other disruptions, and we hope that the situation will stabilize and return to normal very quickly”.

According to WTTC reports Travel & Tourism generated over $US 72.2 billion or 19.3% of the country’s GDP in 2014. The sector supported over 5 million jobs, representing 14% of total employment.

Thailand’s annual visitor exports, which is money spent by foreign travellers in the country, have more than doubled in the last decade, increasing from US$19.4 billion in 2005 to US$40.3 billion in 2014.