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MVA: Help tourism recovery by traveling
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Posted on Jan 19 2005
Travelers can help the tourism industry recover from the effects of the tsunami in South Asia by proceeding with their trips, according to Marianas Visitors Authority.
MVA managing director Vicky I. Benavente said it is the tourism agency’s goal to promote travel not only to the Northern Marianas, but to all destinations.
“Whether it be to the Marianas or elsewhere, it is very important that we promote travel. We don’t want people to be afraid of traveling because of natural disasters,” Benavente said.
She was echoing a similar call by the Pacific Asia Travel Association, which emphasized that most properties and attractions in Indian Ocean destinations have sustained little or no damage.
“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,” PATA president Peter Jong said in a statement.
He 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 in tact parts of the affected destinations. The money you spend and, importantly, the hearts you touch, will make a difference.”
PATA also said that parts of Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Malaysia have experienced minimal damage to their travel and tourism infrastructure. Also, 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 added.
