Sir Richard Branson slams travel advisories to Kenya

By SHAMLAL PURI

British billionaire Richard Branson has criticised governments for issuing travel advisories following the terror attack at Westgate Mall in Nairobi.

The owner of Virgin Atlantic was saddened to see the horrific scenes in Kenya in which “at least 67 people” were killed.

“As Kenya begins three days of national mourning, our thoughts are with all those affected by the terrible attack,” Branson said on Thursday.

Kenya should be able to count on the support of the rest of the world in the face of such an attack, the damage done should not be multiplied by countries issuing travel advisories,” he said.

“I blogged earlier this year on why countries should ban travel advisories against countries that suffer terrorist attacks and instead continue to aid them through tourism and trade,” he said.

Sir Richard pointed out that President Uhuru Kenyatta has reiterated calls on the world not to hurt the future of Kenya by blocking visitors and playing into terrorists’ hands.

“If a terrorist attack happens in countries like the US or the UK, governments and people show 100 per cent support and sympathy, as they rightly should. After 9/11 we immediately sent a plane of people over to help and made an extra special effort to encourage people to travel to New York. After 7/7 visitors to London have continued to flock in. Why should it be different for Kenya, or Bali, or anywhere else?” he asked.