‘AN ATTACK AGAINST ALL OF US’
As the world struggles to come to terms with the horrific events in Paris on Friday, Nov. 13, 2015 – more than 130 innocent people murdered; some 350 innocent people wounded – major travel industry associations are condemning these acts of terrorism perpetrated on innocent people.
Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Stephane Dion said in a statement, “I am dismayed at the tragic events that took place in Paris… I join Prime Minister Trudeau and all Canadians in expressing my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims … Canada and France will remain united in the fight against terror. Canada offers France its full support during these difficult times.”
The UNWTO said that it was “deeply shocked” by the attacks and extended its “heartfelt condolences” to the families and friends of the victims and to the people of France in “this difficult moment.”
UNWTO secretary-general, Taleb Rifai said, “On the behalf of the international tourism community, UNWTO conveys its heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims and expresses its full solidarity with the people and the government of France.”
But Rifai was painfully blunt in his assessment of the situation, “We are facing a global threat and this is not an attack on France, it is an attack against us all.”
ASTA’s president and CEO, Zane Kerby said, “The terrorist attacks in France have shocked peace-loving people around the world. We hope and pray that those families and friends who have lost loved ones are comforted and that Parisians recover from this violent and tragic episode.”
And Kerby added, “We stand ready to assist our 35 ASTA members who are based in and around the Paris area any way we can. With heavy hearts we pray today for peace and the safety of our friends in France and those affected by this horrific attack.”
As the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) prepares for its global conference in Montreal this week, the association’s executive director, Greeley Koch observed, “The ties between Montreal and France span centuries and ACTE just held one of its global travel conferences in Paris three weeks ago. We will exchange condolences and solidarity. We have to learn from this. We have to look to the future and make the future safe for travellers and all.”
