Peter Greenberg, veteran travel journalist, currently in Nairobi, Kenya, for the ongoing Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), has issued an update on the Nairobi siege situation through his Facebook page.

He said: “6:30 am in Nairobi, and the siege continues at the mall… death count numbers being adjusted. The mall stays surrounded by Kenyan troops. No one knows how many hostages are still inside or how many terrorists are still in there with them.

“The problem, of course, is that there are no accurate figures to work with. There are still 62 people – according to some reports – still unaccounted for, and who may still be in the building, either dead or alive.

“With each passing hour it becomes more likely that there will be a violent ending to this tragic story for those still alive in that mall. Based on the terrorists actions, no one may walk out of there alive. So, it may become a matter of not if, but simply when.”

Mr. Greenberg promised to provide “more news soon.”

“The Westgate incident is horrific and our hearts go out to all the victims and their families who have suffered the most shocking blow,” Jonathan Worsley, Chairman, Bench Events, which is organizing the hotel conference,” said in a statement. The goal of terrorists is to spread fear and disrupt lives and we know that if we change our plans adversely, they win. Therefore, we will be proceeding with AHIF as planned, albeit with heightened security throughout the conference.”

Also in Nairobi is World Travel & Tourism Council President and CEO David Scowsill who in a statement issued yesterday said: “Despite this terrible incident in the shopping center in Nairobi and the appalling loss of life, I am planning to fly to Nairobi on Monday to attend the Africa Hotel Investment Forum. It is important that the travel industry supports Kenya at this difficult time.”

WTTC has confirmed that Mr. Scowsill will address the media to talk about the impact of the mall siege on tourism later today at 12:00 pm local Nairobi time.

The hotel conference that both Mr. Greenberg and Mr. Scowsill are attending is to take place until September 25.

WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:

“Despite this terrible incident in the shopping center in Nairobi and the appalling loss of life, I am planning to fly to Nairobi on Monday to attend the Africa Hotel Investment Forum.
“The Westgate incident is horrific and our hearts go out to all the victims and their families who have suffered the most shocking blow,” Jonathan Worsley, Chairman, Bench Events, which is organizing the hotel conference,” said in a statement.
“With each passing hour it becomes more likely that there will be a violent ending to this tragic story for those still alive in that mall.