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Book Your Trip to Help
Of PATA's 45 Asia Pacific member countries, the coastal area of only eight were affected by the tsunami. Of those eight destinations, only the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand suffered significant travel sector losses.
PATA believes that to support the speedy recovery of destinations, local employment and local self-sufficiency, consumers must be encouraged to proceed with their travel plans to the region. PATA President and CEO, Mr Peter de Jong, said, "The human loss of this tragedy is unprecedented. However, the negative impact will only be exacerbated if tourists cancel or postpone their visits. Now more than ever, Indian Ocean countries want you to come visit. Not only will tourism maintain jobs and boost local economies, it will also be a sign of support and solidarity, giving new hope and confidence to those who have begun to rebuild their lives and livelihoods."
Mr de Jong added, "If you have not yet planned a visit, please consider booking a trip. If you wish to make a difference, visit the many safe and intact parts of the affected destinations. The money you spend and, importantly, the hearts you touch, will make a difference."
PATA says the following key messages are important:
-- tourists are welcome and needed
-- if you really care about our destination -- come visit us
-- tourists' enjoyment of a destination will be tangible support for itsrecovery
-- you are assured of a very warm welcome
Parts of Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Myanmar and Malaysia have experienced minimal damage to their travel and tourism infrastructure. Parts of the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand have incurred damage to some tourism infrastructure, but the damage is local and rapidly being fixed.
All airports in tourism-related areas in the tsunami-affected countries are operating normally.
PATA encourages all travel professionals, travel agents, tour operators and media to clearly communicate the facts to potential travellers and encourage bookings.
ABOUT THE PATA FOUNDATION TSUNAMI RECOVERY FUND
The PATA Foundation Tsunami Recovery Fund, launched on December 30, 2004, directly helps rebuild skills and livelihoods of tourism workers in tsunami-affected areas. The Fund has a strong people-first focus on human resource development and training. The Fund is administered by the PATA Foundation, the charitable arm of PATA which has successfully disbursed funds to tourism related conservation projects for the last 20 years. The Foundation enjoys US tax-exempt status. To find out more about the Fund or to fill out the pledge form and help rebuild livelihoods, visit http://www.pata.org/tsunami.
ABOUT PATA
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is the recognised authority on Asia Pacific travel and tourism. PATA provides leadership and advocacy to the collective efforts of nearly 100 government, state and city tourism bodies, more than 55 airlines and cruise lines, and hundreds of travel industry companies. In addition, thousands of travel professionals belong to dozens of PATA chapters worldwide.PATA's mission is to enhance the growth, value and quality of Asia Pacific travel and tourism for the benefit of its membership. PATA is a not-for-profit organisation.Find out more about PATA at http://www.pata.org/.
Contact:
Ken Scott/Paveena Olansuksakul/David Gillbanks
Tel: (66-2) 658-2000
Email: communications@PATA.org
Web Sites: http://www.PATA.org
http://www.PATA.org/tsunami
http://www.sawadee.com/tsunami/hotels.htm
http://www.contactsrilanka.org/list_oftourists.htm
Quelle: Pacific Asia Travel Association
Bangkok 7/1/2004
