UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai is calling on tourists to continue visiting the destinations and establishments still in operation in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia as this can help speed up rebuilding efforts in these areas.

“Our thoughts at this difficult moment are with the all the people in Serbia, Bosnia and Croatia.” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, adding that the UNWTO is deeply saddened by the news of the devastating floods currently affecting this part of Europe.

UNWTO is confident that the area will recover from this tragic occurrence and stands ready and committed to support the national authorities in any tourism-related recovery programmes for the affected areas in order to ensure that tourism continues to thrive and contribute to the region’s future socio-economic development.