The Members of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) are appalled and saddened to learn of the continuing violence in Mumbai following terrorist attacks on India's commercial and financial capital. The attacks, which began late on Wednesday night and come after a wave of bombings in India in recent yars, had killed more than 130 people by Friday morning, including at least six foreign tourists.

The latest violence appears to have specifically targeted popular tourist sites, including two of the city's leading hotels: the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower and the nearby Oberoi Trident. Reports suggest that some hostages are still being held at both hotels, as well as at other public buildings and popular tourist venues.

"We would like to express our deep sympathy to all those who have been directly affected by the terrorist attacks," said Geoffrey J W Kent, Chairman & CEO, Abercrombie & Kent, and Chairman of WTTC, "as well as our strong support of India's Travel & Tourism industry at this difficult time." Jean-Claude Baumgarten, WTTC's President & CEO, is on his way to Mumbai, where he will meet with key industry and government leaders to offer WTTC support. "It is important to remember at this difficult time that, however terrible, such terrorist attacks cannot undermine the resilience of Travel & Tourism," said Baumgarten, "an industry that cements peace and understanding. We are confident that, as in the past, Travel & Tourism will once again show its capacity for recovery."