After the Tsunami: Industry United and Focused on Rapid Recovery > Expressions of Support and Solidarity from IH&RA Partners > WTTC Statement Following the Tsunami Disaster WTTC Statement Following the Tsunami Disaster WTTC will be pulling together its Crisis Communications Committee, to facilitate the speedy transfer of information between Travel & Tourism organizations, governments, media and other experts, on the ground in the region affected and around the world’. Indian Ocean Tragedy The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) expresses its condolences to everyone who has been affected by the Tsunami disaster in the Indian Ocean, including the local communities and tourists. Soon after the disaster struck, WTTC President, Jean-Claude Baumgarten, contacted the governments of all the countries affected in the region, seeking up to date information and offering WTTC’s assistance. It is difficult to evaluate the full extent of the Tsunami disaster at this stage. The number of lives lost, families affected, and the significant impact on core infrastructure and the economies of these countries may not be available any time soon. Jean-Claude Baumgarten commented as follows, ‘All efforts must now be focused on working with the authorities on the ground, to help retrieve missing people as quickly and effectively as possible. We will do all we can to support local efforts’. He continued, ‘WTTC will be pulling together its Crisis Communications Committee, to facilitate the speedy transfer of information between Travel & Tourism organizations, governments, media and other experts, on the ground in the region affected and around the world’. About WTTC The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is the business leaders’ forum for Travel & Tourism, working with governments to raise awareness of the importance of the world’s largest generator of wealth and jobs. WTTC Research and Estimates for the Region According to WTTC research, Travel & Tourism accounts for some 19 million jobs in South East Asia, representing 8.1% of total employment in the region. Research also shows that in 2004, Travel & Tourism accounted for 7.4 % of the region’s total GDP, equivalent to some US$103.8 billion. In India, Travel & Tourism activity accounted for 4.9% of total GDP and 5.6% of total employment in 2004. In Indonesia, WTTC research shows that in 2004, Travel & Tourism generated 10.3% of GDP and 8.5% of total employment. Travel & Tourism activity in Malaysia accounted for 14.7 % of GDP and 12.7% of total employment. In the Maldives, 74.1% of total GDP and 64.4% of total employment in 2004 was accounted for by the Travel & Tourism Economy. In Thailand, Travel & Tourism activity in 2004 generated 12.2% of GDP and 8.9% of total employment. Copyright 2003 International Hotel & Restaurant Association. All rights reserved. International Hotel & Restaurant Association 51 rue Jean Jacques Rousseau 75001 Paris France Tel: 33 (0) 1 44 88 92 20 Fax: 33 (0) 1 44 88 92 30 www.ih-ra.com