Bomb blast rocks Madrid

OPERATORS have denied the bombs that rocked Madrid this morning will affect consumers’ long-term confidence in Spain.

More than 170 people have died in the attacks and more than 500 injured after five bombs ripped apart commuter trains heading for Atocha station in the south of the city.

While the trade conceded short-term confidence would be hit, operators insisted people will still travel to the country.

An ABTA spokesman said: “More than 10 million people travelled to Spain last year and we expect a similar number to travel again.”

Cresta head of sales and marketing Jane Williams said none of its customers were caught up in the blast.

Thomson Holidays claimed bookings to Spain are down on last year because of the strength of the euro. A spokesman said: “It may affect bookings in the near future, but the public is resilient.”

Spanish tourist board director Manuel Butler said: “We are absolutely devastated.” A statement said the Spanish Tourist Office was “shocked and grieved” by the news.

In February terrorist group ETA warned it would extend its campaign to Spanish tourist areas all year round. But ETA denied it was involved in the attacks.

The FCO said travellers should remain vigilant in public places, including tourists areas, but said the vast majority of visits to Spain are trouble-free.