Global travel and tourism leaders’ statement on the recent terrorist attacks

Montreal, 24 November 2015 – Upon meeting in Montreal yesterday on the occasion of the 2015 International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) World Aviation Forum, Angela Gittens, Director General of Airports Council International (ACI), and other leaders of the Global Travel Association Coalition (GTAC) condemned the terror attacks in recent days and weeks. GTAC and its members extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of all the victims affected by such senseless violence. Our thoughts are with them at this terrible time.

Terrorism is a global threat that can only be addressed through the strong and concerted efforts of the world’s governments and the international community.

The travel and tourism sector recalls that security is a prerequisite for tourism and therefore the sector is fully available to cooperate with governments to include tourism representatives from the public and private sectors in national security planning and implementation structures and procedures. Our sector is at the ready to apply its experience to work even closer with governments around the world to develop the appropriate response and recovery plans for the sector where necessary.

Notes to editors

1. Airports Council International (ACI), the only worldwide association of airports, has 591 member airport authorities, which operate 1,850 airports in 173 countries. ACI’s mission is to promote professional excellence in airport management and operations, and this mandate is carried out through the organization’s multiple training opportunities, as well as the customer service benchmarking programme, a wide range of conferences, industry statistical products and best practice publications.

2. The Global Travel Association Coalition exists to promote a better understanding of travel and tourism’s role as a driver of economic growth and employment, and to ensure governments develop policies which contribute to the profitable, sustainable and long-term growth of the industry. Under its goal to provide a stronger consolidated “One Voice,” the leaders of GTAC continue to align their messaging and efforts in order to amplify awareness of the viability of the travel and tourism sector. An Agenda for Growth and Development was launched in April, 2015 consolidating the common efforts to be followed by all.

GTAC members include Airports Council International (ACI); Cruise Lines Association International (CLIA); International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO); International Air Transport Association (IATA); Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA); World Economic Forum (WEF); World Tourism Organization (UNWTO); and World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

3. To download a pdf version of this media release, please click here.

Media contact

Ryan White
Manager, Communications
ACI World
Telephone: +1 514 373 1226
Email: rwhite@aci.aero