Travel and tourism: Weapon against terrorism?

David Scowsill, president & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), has said “travel and tourism drives peace in the war against terrorism” during his speech today at the ongoing Africa

David Scowsill, president & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), has said “travel and tourism drives peace in the war against terrorism” during his speech today at the ongoing Africa Hotel Investment Forum in Nairobi, Kenya.

“Travel & Tourism brings people together, it allows us to build relationships, to understand other cultures and as such is a vehicle of diplomacy and trade,” the WTTC boss said, calling for confidence in Kenya to be maintained despite the recent terrorist attacks. “Travel & Tourism drives peace and understanding in the war against terror.”

Addressing the top-level public and private travel and tourism luminaries from around the world Scowsill called for solidarity with the citizens of Kenya, as the country comes to terms with the terrorist attack.

Scowsill’s message is clear–that travel and tourism is resilient. “Over the past two decades we have faced challenges in the shape of terrorism, economic crises, natural and man-made disasters. On each occasion Travel & Tourism has returned to growth with remarkable speed.”

Terrorist attacks are tragically a fact of life that the industry has learned to live with over the years, a release from WTTC has stated. “Coupled with natural disasters like the Icelandic ash cloud, there are constant challenges for government and private sector leaders. After the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, within a year domestic, outbound and international tourism was back to pre-disaster levels.”

Scowsill also said: “While other industries can take time to recover from such shocks, Travel & Tourism can be up and running within days or even hours after a terrorist incident. It is crucial in these situations that a country remains open to tourism. The message has to be clear – tourists are welcome and safe in the destination, and they will have the wonderful experience that they are seeking.”

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