Free Tibet campaigners ejected from World Travel Market

Tibet campaigners were ejected from London ExCel Exhibition centre yesterday after they staged a demonstration at the World Travel Market (WTM).

Their protest activity was part of a global day of demonstration against InterContinental Hotels Group's plan to open a 1,000+ room luxury hotel next year in Lhasa, the capital of occupied Tibet.

Hotels in more than 15 countries, including Paris, Berlin, Sydney, Mexico City and Dehli, have also faced demonstrations by Tibet supporters.

The protests were timed to coincide with the release of the hotel group's third quarter results.

"InterContinental's customers, shareholders, business partners and industry peers need to know the reality behind its polished image as an ethical company," commented Free Tibet director Eleanor Byrne-Rosengren.

"Tibet campaigners will take our message wherever InterContinental does business, whether that's a hotel in Delhi or a trade fair in London. Tibet's capital is one of the most oppressed places on earth and so long as it is occupied by China and the rights of its people are so grossly abused, this is no place for a company like InterContinental to be conducting business.

"It is time to do the right thing and pull the plug on this hotel."