IH&RA condemns Bali bombings

The bombings in Bali are "a blatant attack against international tourists and the tourism industry", says the International Hotel & Restaurant Association (IH&RA).

The association will be meeting with the World Tourism Organisation next month to find new ways to urge governments and hospitality associations to strengthen security.

Chief executive Alain-Philippe Feutré said the media had a great responsibility to combat the fear of travelling.

National governments are calling on their citizens to leave Indonesia immediately. Feutre said the media and governments should equally give regular updates on security conditions in the region, so that once the situation improves, international travel to the area can resume.

"If you stop travelling, you are giving the terrorists a big victory," he said.

Indonesia had 5.2 million international tourists in 2001. Large tour operators operating in the whole of Asia and the Pacific would now face massive cancellations, which would impact on airlines, hotels, and restaurants, Feutré said.

The IH&RA is a network of hotel and restaurant chains and associations in more than 100 countries. Its remit is to promote, protect and inform the hospitality industry worldwide.