In the aftermath of the South Asian tsunami, a number of companies in the tourism industry have stepped forward with contributions of financial, transportation and other assistance…
In the aftermath of the South Asian tsunami, a number of companies in the tourism industry have stepped forward with contributions of financial, transportation and other assistance. Now, Canada`s tourism industry is developing a collective response to the disaster, targetting short-term humanitarian relief and longer-term economic development measures.
Like other Canadians, those of us in the tourism industry are shocked and saddened by the tremendous loss of life, destruction and suffering, and concerned about the ongoing threats to the health and safety of the survivors, said Randy Williams, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC). We extend our heartfelt condolences and best wishes to the victims, and to their families and friends around the world.
We also stand in solidarity with our counterparts in the affected areas, where the local economies are increasingly dependent on tourism revenues, Mr. Williams added. Tourism is a truly global industry-we are all interconnected and interdependent and extremely vulnerable to the negative effect of world events, as 9/11 and SARS have made abundantly obvious. When one destination is hurting, everyone suffers.
TIAC has made a financial contribution to Canada`s tsunami relief effort to symbolize the industry`s commitment, and is encouraging all Canadian tourism businesses with the means to do so to get involved. It is also urging the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to exercise restraint in its travel advisories regarding the affected countries, given that tourism operators in many areas are still ready and able to welcome visitors. The World Tourism Organization (WTO), of which TIAC is a member, is monitoring the impact of the tsunami on tourism destinations; updates are available at
Meanwhile, the association is working with the Canadian tourism industry to develop initiatives to help South Asia rebuild its coastal tourism base, once the area`s immediate needs for food, water, shelter and health care have been addressed. Projects under consideration include adopting a hard-hit, tourism-dependent community identified by the WTO, and dedicating one of the functions and its proceeds at Rendez-vous Canada 2005, taking place May 7-11 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to an update on recovery efforts and assessment of unmet needs. Some staff resources may also be allocated to cleanup and rebuilding.
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