World tourism body voices Haiti support
Thursday, 15 Jan, 2010
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The UN World Tourism Organization says it is ready to lend its support to reviving tourism in the wake of the Haiti earthquake.
The body said it would collaborate in the assessment of the damage caused, especially in the tourism sector.
It also pledged to contribute to a recovery plan “in the conviction that tourism can become a useful instrument for the necessary reconstruction process”.
A UNWTO statement said it was “deeply saddened” by the loss of lives and devastation caused by the earthquake and offered sincere condolences to those who lost their loved ones.
“The severity of yet another natural disaster poses a new challenge for the international community and the UN World Tourism Organization wishes to show its solidarity with the people and the Government of Haiti.
“Although the number of lives lost and physical devastation are still impossible to be accounted for, the consequences of the earthquake registered so far suggest a disaster of tragic proportions.
“The earthquake also hit the UN familiy. The UN’s headquarters in Port-au-Prince, along with other buildings hosting the world body, have collapsed, leaving some 150 staff members unaccounted for.
“The severity of yet another natural disaster poses a new challenge for the international community and the UN World Tourism Organization wishes to show its solidarity with the people and the Government of Haiti.
“Although the number of lives lost and physical devastation are still impossible to be accounted for, the consequences of the earthquake registered so far suggest a disaster of tragic proportions.
“The earthquake also hit the UN familiy. The UN’s headquarters in Port-au-Prince, along with other buildings hosting the world body, have collapsed, leaving some 150 staff members unaccounted for.
“So far the UN confirmed that 16 peacekeepers serving with the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti died in the quake, and officials believe the number of fatalities is likely to rise in the coming days.”
*See previous TravelMole story for Oxfam earthquake appeal details.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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