IHRA #30: IH&RA & PATA Join Forces on Tsunami Relief Efforts at IH&RA Berlin Meetings

IH&RA Highlight > IH&RA Meetings in Berlin: 14-15 March 2005 > Tsunami Relief - IH&RA & PATA Partner in Berlin

IH&RA & PATA Join Forces on Tsunami Relief Efforts at IH&RA Berlin Meetings

The manager of one of the hardest hit hotels in Southeast Asia has accepted an all-expense paid invitation to participate in the IH&RA Chains and Board meetings to be held this March in Berlin. The hotelier will give a full report of his experiences and detail the recovery underway. Peter de Jong, PATA CEO, will also be on-site to give a complete regional report to IH&RA members.

IH&RA members around the globe have expressed their concern and sympathy for the victims of the Tsunami which devastated a number of coastal areas in Southeast Asia on 26 December 2004. Through its communication channels, IH&RA has kept Members updated on efforts to provide relief to Tsunami victims and has given wide exposure to the work done by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

One aspect of PATA's work of particular relevance to the hospitality industry is their "Hotel Check" enquiry which provides the industry at large with a very precise picture of the current situation of hotels in the region. The survey reports loss of life among guests and staff and indicates the number of properties and hotel rooms closed, being rebuilt or in operation in each of the affected areas.

IH&RA asked PATA to identify a small chain which had been particularly hit by the Tsunami as IH&RA Chain members specifically wished to offer some support to a small chain operator. Although only a very modest contribution, Chain Members felt it would be beneficial to offer this company exposure at a major tourism fair such as ITB Berlin and at the International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF). This would assist the company in rebuilding its commercial presence on the international market. (In many instances, according to the PATA survey, over 75% of room stock is currently in operation.) It is also highlights the message that the best way to help these destinations is to encourage tourists to come back. Tourism is vital to their economies.

In this joint IH&RA-PATA initiative, PATA will be offering the affected chain exposure at ITB while IH&RA has invited a representative from the chain to address the participants of the IH&RA Board Dinner and to make a formal presentation at the IH&RA Chains Council. Complimentary accommodation and board have been graciously made available at the Berlin Hilton by Hilton International.

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