UN tourism agency pledges continued support for India after deadly bombing

The head of the United Nations entity that promotes the development of responsible tourism has expressed shock at last week's terrorist bomb attacks in the Indian city of Mumbai and pledged the agency's full support to the South Asian country's Government.

The blasts at different parts of the city last Wednesday reportedly killed more than 20 people and injured at least 100 others.

Taleb Rifai, the Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), said in a statement issued on Friday that the agency was “shocked to learn of the brutal bomb attacks” and sent condolences to the families of the victims and sympathies to those injured in the attack.

“The Government and people of India can count on the full support of UNWTO in this difficult moment. India is deservedly one of the world's leading and fastest growing tourism destinations, accounting for over half of all tourist arrivals to South Asia, and such attacks should not deter those travellers wishing to visit this amazing destination,” Mr. Rifai added.