24 January 2005 - Press Release
The Business Environment Council (BEC) and the Hong Kong Sustainable Tourism Task Force (STTF) today brought together leaders from tourism groups at JW Marriott Hotel to call for a quick return of Hong Kong tourists to countries hit by the South Asia tsunami. Representatives from the Pacific Asia Travel Association, Maldives Tourism Promotion Board, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tourism Malaysia, Sri Lanka Airlines and the Hong Kong Hotel Association all spoke earnestly on the subject.
love Phuket? glad that we came? two sun-drenched toddlers made their affirmation in a video provided by the Tourism authority of Thailand. The video also showed interviews of tourists visiting after the disaster in the area, all expressing positive impressions of their travel experience.
Speakers gave brief summaries on the tsunami-affected areas and updated information on the current recovery situation. All airports in tourist related areas are operating normally. There is no outbreak of epidemics and the beaches are clean and safe. In Maldives, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Malaysia, 75-90% of the travel and tourism infrastructure, resorts, and hotels are currently operational. Many of those that have been damaged are expected to be up and running within a matter of weeks or months.
The panel speakers emphasized the importance of letting the public have an accurate picture of the recovery process and projecting a positive image of the areas?travel and tourism industry. The tsunami struck during the peak holiday season, when hotel occupancy rates is normally over 90 percent; yet now, occupancy rates are around 40 percent in the Maldives, just 20 percent in Phuket, and 15 to 20 percent in Sri Lanka beach resorts.
Around a million people are affected, as they depend solely or partly on tourism for their livelihoods,?said Mrs. Desiree Premachandra, manager of Sri Lanka Airlines. In this hour of need, we hope people will come and visit; you will receive a very warm welcome.
Hong Kong people have been very generous in giving to aid organizations,?said Dr Andrew Thomson, Chief Executive Officer of BEC and member of STTF. Now, they have another way to help by taking holidays to the region. The South Asia population livelihood depends heavily on tourism. One of the most direct and sustainable way to provide relief and assistance is to help their economy recover by paying them a visit.
About the Business Environment Council (www.bec.org.hk)
The Business Environment Council is a leading independent cross-sector business association in Hong Kong advocating sustainable development. Our aim is to balance economic, social and environmental interests whilst empowering competitiveness. We are a regional network partner of World Business Council for Sustainable Development. About the
Sustainable Tourism Task Force (http://www.tourforce.org/)
The Sustainable Tourism Task Force is an advocate for sustainable tourism in Hong Kong, including tourism that can help protect the environment and cultural heritage, whilst benefiting local communities. Established under the auspices of the Business Environment Council, the STTF has a diverse membership including representatives from tourism organizations, academics specializing in tourism, government officials, and tour operators.
Press contact
Helina Lam, Specialist - Sustainable Development, T. (825) 2784 3936