The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) sends its condolences to the people of Nias Island and nearby areas in Northwest Sumatra following the March 28 earthquake.
PATA President and CEO Mr Peter de Jong said: "This is a cruel blow to people who have suffered enough, just as they were rebuilding their communities after the December 26 tsunami. It is imperative that travellers continue with their travel plans and support destinations in Southeast Asia. The money they spend and the hearts they touch mean a lot for people who are currently rebuilding their lives.”
Mr de Jong said PATA takes heart from three factors following the earthquake: 1) the speed of the response from authorities in coastal areas across the region 2) the fact that there was seemingly only minimal change in wave patterns at sea, and 3) few if any areas outside Nias suffered structural damage.
PATA is in contact with its travel-member organisations in the region. They will report to PATA any change in traveller sentiment and travel patterns as a consequence of the latest earthquake.
Mr de Jong said: “It is important that the latest setback does not disrupt the physical and psychological reconstruction process underway in travel-related communities in the region.”
PATA requests that media reports on the new quake should be factual and specific to the affected location. The area of damage is extremely localised. Mr de Jong said: “The media’s role in accurately describing the limited extent of destructive impact is important in preserving consumer faith in travel and tourism to Southeast Asia destinations”.
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 www.PATA.org.
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Peter de Jong, CEO, PATA speaking at the IH&RA Board & Chains Council Dinner, 14 March, Berlin
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