The Pacific Asia Travel Association condemns the bombing Tuesday in Varanasi, India, and all terrorist attacks, says Peter de Jong, PATA president and CEO. He encourages the travel industry and consumers alike to keep informed and to proceed with their travel plans. Varanasi, a pilgrimage city, is in the state of Utter Pradesh. One explosion occurred in the Sankat Mochan temple, followed by two others in the city's main railway station. In remarks distributed by PATA, Rajeev Kohli of India-based Creative Travel Marketing said that India is calm. "We are a large country and a country that is determined not to be cowed by a few. At this time we have no reason for panic or concern," he continued. "All our guests are safe and out of harm's way." He added that Varanasi has religious significance for Hindus and also has a large Muslim population. "Both communities have co-existed in peace and harmony for centuries," he added. "These bomb attacks are considered to be attempts to destabilize that harmony."
