UNWTO has extended its condolences to Norway following last Friday's tragic events.
Secretary-General Taleb Rifai released a statement this morning saying: “UNWTO was profoundly shocked by last Friday’s appalling attacks in Norway which claimed many innocent lives.
"On behalf of UNWTO and the international tourism community, I wish to convey our sincere condolences to all those that have lost loved ones and to the Government and people of Norway in this difficult time."
Seven people were killed in an explosion in Oslo and on the same afternoon 85 people were shot by a gunman in a Norwegian youth camp.
Police have charged a 32-year-old Norwegian man over both attacks. He is due to appear in court later today.
According to reports, a man dressed as a police officer was arrested after a shooting spree at the youth camp on Utoeya island.
Hundreds of young people were on the island for a summer camp organised by the ruling Labour Party.
In Oslo, a large explosion went off near the government headquarters.
Norwegian Prime Minister escaped unhurt. He was due to have been on Utoeya a few hours after the attach took place.
The motives for the attacks have not yet been confirmed but the man arrested, Anders Behring Breivik, is believed to have had links with right-wing extremists.
Costa Cruises has diverted its ship to avoid a call in Oslo following Friday's explosion.
Its 2720-passenger Costa Magica will instead call in at Kristiansand, Norway.
by Bev Fearis
