The Chairman of the African Tourism Board, Juergen T. Steinmetz, extended his sympathy to the families of the victims, strongly condemning the terror attack that occurred today at the luxury Dusit Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.
Steinmetz said: “This is not only an attack on a luxury hotel in Nairobi, but an attempt to hurt the hard-working people and safe tourism industry in Kenya. It’s an attack on Africa Tourism. It’s a day when the civilized world should stand together and show resilience.
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“This type of attack can happen anywhere. Unfortunately, no country or city in the world can be 100% safe. Most attacks have happened in Europe and North America. One day it’s Boston, New York, or Las Vegas, the next day it’s Berlin, Paris, or Nice.
“Kenya has shown resilience over the years and it has also shown leadership by becoming an example to the world when it comes to demonstrating not only concern for tourism safety, but even more important – implementation.
“Remember the African Hotel Investment and Eco Tourism in 2013? I personally was impressed about safety measures in place in Nairobi that many other cities can only strive to achieve.
“Nairobi is not alone with the crime committed by a suicide bomber today. It joins Paris and other metropolis where dangerous people commit devastating crimes. Luckily, with billions of tourists traveling every day, Kenya and all countries with such incidents usually remain very safe places. The number of victims at the Dusit Hotel is relatively low compared to some of the more major incidents in the US and Europe. But the loss of even one life is tragic.
“We hope our African members stand united as one today. The African Tourism Board is all about Africa coming together as one destination. Now is not the time to panic or issue travel advisories. It is time to showcase the beautiful side of travel and tourism in Kenya and the rest of Africa.”
“Security services are to be congratulated for rescuing many people from inside the Dusit Hotel complex over the course of many hours.”
The security operation included a bomb disposal team.
Nairobi officials reported that it was a suicide bomber that caused the attack. The Somalia-based Shabab militant group is claiming responsibility for the attack. According to witnesses, 4 men entered the hotel complex, and soon after, 2 blasts and gunfire were heard.
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