Travel industry has major role in aftermath of tsunami – TravelMole Comment by Jeremy Skidmore

The incredible events in Asia have, quite rightly, put a lot of things into context for people in the travel industry.

Squabbles about discounts, commissions and dynamic packaging are all irrelevant compared with the massive loss of life caused by the tsunami.

The response from people in the travel industry and the general public has been incredible, with so many wanting to help. That is, I think, because the tragedy was completely apolitical. It had nothing to do with governments and egos and, consequently, everyone felt moved by the appalling suffering caused by a natural disaster.

But what of the future for tourist destinations such as Sri Lanka and Thailand?

It’s easy to say the people are “resilient” and will “bounce back”. The remaining survivors have to carry on, because what choice do they have?

In the months and years ahead, the travel industry and holidaymakers have a significant role to play.

Firstly, those who were thinking of holidaying in the affected areas should not automatically scrub them off their list for 2005. Of course, it would be irresponsible to promote travel to the worst hit coastal resorts in the near future, but hopefully we won’t be saying that in six months time.

Travel companies should also reassure clients that travelling to areas of Sri Lanka and Thailand unaffected by the tsunami is the right thing to do. The local people need the tourist trade like never before.

A friend of mine was due to travel to Sri Lanka for a two-week holiday on Boxing Day night. He booked with a small travel company which was prepared to change his itinerary and keep him away from any of the affected areas.

However, information about the extent of the damage was sketchy at that time. He didn’t feel comfortable travelling to Sri Lanka and relaxing on holiday while so many were dying, so he cancelled the trip.

That was a perfectly understandable reaction and I would have done the same thing. But, far from turning his back on Sri Lanka, he is keen to return to the country in the near future. Hopefully, many others will feel the same way.

More than ever, we also need to think a bit more about how we spend our money when we are abroad.

I’m not advocating holidaymakers or tour operators ignore overseas hotel chains or boycott the hotel breakfasts.

But, as Justin Francis of responsibletravel.com points out, little things like occasionally eating in a local restaurant, taking public transport and buying gifts from local craftsmen can help the economy.

We all need to do our bit and be thankful, for once, that we live in a country with a fairly predictable climate and weather patterns.

Happy New Year and good luck for 2005.