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Editorial by World Tourism Foundation

Perhaps the acts by sophisticated terrorist cells on tourism targets is not as good of strategy as they thought. "Mumbai" became a recognized destination brand name worldwide overnight. To anyone saying they are going to India these days, the first question they hear is "Are you going to Mumbai?" The long term challenge to change name from “Bombay” has been accomplished. Mumbai, and all its positive attributes, has firmly been placed on the world map.

The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower is now a must-visit in minds of travelers around the world. Many more travelers are now aware of the 75 Taj Hotels, Resorts, and Palaces in 12 countries. Its corporate-wide project for energy conservation and environmental management will get increased recognition.

The Trident-Oberoi Hotel is being flooded with bookings for rooms and tables at its famed restaurants Opium Den, Frangipani and India Jones, in time for the grand reopening on December 21. Again, the global awareness of the entire Oberoi Group has been escalated.

Pakistan is taking the hardest tourism economic hit as a result of the Mumbai attack. The present perception being created by the media will last for many years with many Pakistani families losing their livelihoods. The government stands to lose billions (USD) in revenues. The Pakistani government has a lot of bold work to do to correct this perception.