The international tourism community has condemned last Thursday's attack on the Garissa University College.
“I am appalled by this atrocious act of violence on innocent people.
Our thoughts at this tragic moment are with the families and friends of
the victims and the people of Kenya,” said Dr Taleb Rifai.
Rifai is secretary general of the United Nations World Tourism Organization.
“Kenya is facing a threat of international nature. We must stand by
the Kenyans in these testing times and reinforce our solidarity and
commitment to work side by side with them to ensure that violence and
terrorism do not win over our values and the will of Kenya to progress
and live freely," he said.
Rifai said despite the aim of the terrorists to damage Kenya's image
and the economy, the industry is confident that the country will
continue to be a preferred destination for people all around the world.
He urged Kenyans to stand together unbowed and overcome evil with good as they have support from the international community.
"The resilience of the Kenyan people, supported by the solidarity of
their friends in the international community, will surely lead the
country to overcome this terrible act," Rifai said.
Sir Richard Branson, CEO of Virgin Atlantic said: “Tragic to see this
continued in such a barbaric way in Kenya, where innocent Christian
students were singled out and slaughtered.”
“We need to support all Kenyan people however we can in this time of grief and sadness.”
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie said the government realises
just how serious a threat to the Kenyan society terrorists represent.
"We have stepped up the efforts needed to remove them and the evil they preach,” she said.
“We must not take a single step back. We must stand together to
sustain the freedoms we want and love. Moving forward let us all
continue to keep vigil and stay united and let the whole world know that
we as Kenyans remain unbowed.”
International return and first-time travellers were encouraged to
make Kenya a 'must see' destination this year and play a part in taking
Kenya into its future.
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