These three-day workshops were held in Kanniyakumari, at the Southern tip of India, and in Phuket and Phi Phi Island in Southern Thailand. The aim of the workshops is to introduce local communities in coastal tourism destinations to the systematic approach to Awareness and Preparedness for Emergencies at the Local Level embodied in the "APELL" process. Each community undertook a Local Disaster Preparedness review in preparation for the workshops. So while much has already been done in these communities to develop their own disaster management systems, the workshops were an opportunity to test plans and share ideas and concerns among all stakeholders.

Avi Rosental was particularly impressed by the participation of hospitality operators in his workshops focused on strengthening communication between all private-sector stakeholders. Good communication is essential to ensure cooperation between operators and other local tourism partners in times of crisis. As a result of this direct contact, IH&RA will be helping the National Safety Council of India NSCI carry out a risk assessment study on the only three-star hotel in Kanniyakumari, Hotel Singaar International, whose General Manager was an enthusiastic and dynamic workshop participant.

IH&RA would like to thank R.K. Puri, Secretary-General of the Hotel Association of India HAI and N. Battacharji for their help in circulating information about the APELL project and Workshop launch to all their Members in Southern India. Similarly, IH&RA would like to thank Chanin Donavanik, President of the Thai Hotel Association THA and Prakit Chinamourphong, Vice President, for facilitating contacts with their Southern Chapter Members, particularly with Methee Tanmanatragul, President, Worapol Ungtrakul, Secretary-General, and Veerapat Jantharo, Board Member, for facilitating contacts with their Members. The turn-out at all three workshops was very encouraging.