International tourism organizations and players have sent messages of condolences to the people of Kenya following last night’s terrorist attack in a DusitD2 luxury hotel and office complex in the capital Nairobi.
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in a message on Twitter said “ We stand in solidarity with the victims & loved ones in #Nairobi ???????? after last night’s attack.Tourism is a lifeline for #Kenya, bringing 1 million+ visitors annually & $900 million in GDP. We pledge our support to #Kenya & will be enhancing efforts for African tourism this year.
In a statement released by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) the council expressed its thoughts with the families of the victims and the kenyan people. The message read
‘’The thoughts of the World Travel & Tourism Council and the global travel family are with everyone affected by the events at the DusitD2 complex in Nairobi, Kenya. Travel & Tourism is a sector which brings prosperity to countries around the world and enjoyment to billions of travellers each year. It is remarkably resilient to shocks but attacks on tourists, holidaymakers and businesses are unacceptable. Kenya is a jewel in the crown of Africa’s tourism industry attracting millions of visitors each year, supported by a Government wholly committed to Travel & Tourism as a means of creating jobs and alleviating poverty. We express great relief that the situation has now been resolved by the Kenyan authorities. We offer our sympathies for all of those still impacted by these terrible events and our full support to the Kenyan Travel & Tourism community to begin the process of renewal.’’
The council’s CEO Gloria Manzo also tweeted that “Really sad news the incident in Nairobi #Kenya. Our thoughts and prayers with people impacted. @WTTC and the global travel family fully supports Kenya authorities and our member during this process. #travelandtourism brings prosperity”
In a TV address to the nation, President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta said 14 people had been killed but 700 others were safely evacuated from the complex.
“I can now confirm that… the security operation at Dusit is over and all terrorists have been eliminated,” the Kenyan president said.
“We will seek out every person that was involved in the funding, planning and execution of this heinous act,” he added, vowing to pursue them “relentlessly”.
“We are a country governed by laws, rules and regulations – a country that embraces peaceful coexistence… I must also state that we are also a nation that never forgets those who hurt our children.”
