Article - As the clear up operation continues in the Indian Ocean, we asses the impact and possible long-term effects of the Tsunami on the travel promotions industry.

The facts hardly bear repeating: on December 26th 2004 the biggest earthquake for 40 years occurred, triggering a tsunami – a series of large waves – that spread thousands of kilometres over several hours. With the death toll at 220,000 and continuing to rise as more bodies are found during the clear up operation, all attention is now on the rest of the world to help the disaster-hit areas, and to examine how such a human tragedy could be averted in the future.

And there’s a focus too, on the contribution that the travel industry can make…more than 800 foreign tourists are dead, missing or unaccounted for after the tsunami devastated some of the world’s most popular resorts.

Airlines and travel operators were quick to offer immediate help. As Oliver Duval, Director of travel promotions specialist Unmissable says: “It’s good to see the industry working to help affected regions rather than bemoaning their lot.

“There has been huge media attention to the effects that terrorism, war and disease have had on the travel promotions sector. Each has taken their toll but the industry has bounced back every time, although not without casualties. The Asian tsunami is, however, different.

“The effects of this latest blow to the travel industry are not the same as those we’ve encountered in the past – partly because of the sheer level of devastation but also because it’s a natural, rather than man-made disaster.

“Look around the travel industry at the moment you will see little talk of the impact to businesses, but purely action in the form of helping the existing channels of aid and initiatives. These consist of wider groups such as the Travel Aid "50" which donates 50p per booking to tsunami relief projects, to very specific projects set up by stand alone companies. British Airways have channelled their "Change for Good" to Unicef projects for the month, not to mention the work they and other airlines have done in repatriation flights and delivery of provisions and aid.”

So it is too early to asses the impact on travel companies within the sales promotion industry ?

“Any reputable travel promotion specialist will have solid procedures and fall backs in place for these ‘acts of god’ even when they are on such an unimaginable scale. Booked holidays and promotions will already have been quickly re-arranged to take place at a later date or at an alternative destination, so apart from sorting out the logistics the impact will be relatively manageable, “ says Duval.

“For the immediate future regions such as the Caribbean will see a rise in transfer of clients, particularly given that it can offer favourable weather conditions at this time of the year. The less effected regions of the Indian Ocean, such as some parts of the Maldives that are not already operational will be by the Spring.

“For the longer term future of the key tourist areas badly affected, the message, whilst taking into consideration foreign office advice and the facilities available, is simply to maintain current bookings and encourage further business where possible.

“The dangers of an economic tsunami could worryingly have greater long term effects than the tragedy that has unfolded in recent weeks. The support of hotels, airlines and local tourist businesses is vital to the future of areas where tourism is the lifeblood of the economy.

“It is testament of the donations, made by not only by the individuals, but the companies in the travel industry as a whole that efforts are focused on the universal task of providing the support to the victims and effected areas as soon as possible.”

ENDS

For further information, please contact:
Jane Lowen, The Press Office, 01580 764721
jtlowen@aol.com