The dive operators in Southeast Asia are encouraging divers to continue supporting the dive industry in their region. “Let’s not add a second disaster of monetary problems to this area,” one operator noted in a recent posting.
Despite the widespread damage and the staggering number of images of destruction we see each day via the news, there are many areas relatively unaffected by the tsunamis. Other areas have recovered very quickly, and many dive operations, especially the liveaboards, have not seen a halt in their business.
Business owners, city and government officials and the people of Southeast Asia are asking for your support through travel and tourism in the months and years to come.
Here’s a letter we received that begins a series of postings that remind us that diving in Southeast Asia is still viable.
Greetings DAN and Members,
I was just in Thailand helping with international victim identification teams. It is not good to put out a blanket statement about not going to the disaster areas, because there are many areas in Thailand that were not hit too bad. These people need tourists to come, or they will go bankrupt and it will only add to the disaster.
Yes, people should not go to Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lak right now, but most of the other areas in Thailand are up and running and need tourists. The beaches are clean and empty. Prayers, money, and support for the survivors are always needed. Thanks for your efforts of support!
John Everingham
Publisher, Artasia Press
Although we understand the immediate reaction from many travelers, which is to avoid the area altogether for the coming months, we think that very soon it will become clear that this still very beautiful area of Thailand will bounce back and recover from this disaster.
There is nothing more that will uplift the spirit of the local people and contribute to the reconstruction of this area than the return of visitors.
We feel that the best way to support the local people is to support their now-fledgling businesses. We would like to thank those of our customers who realized this at very early stages after the disaster.
The relief efforts have received unprecedented supports, not only from the international community, but also from people from all over Thailand. The Royal Family has been making generous donation, people queued up in Bangkok to donate their blood, children putting their pocket money into donation boxes. People from all walks of life are doing what they can to help.
At the same time we wish you a healthy and happiness for the new year to come.
Patchara Carlson
AquaLine, LLC
I have just returned from an extensive diving familiarization of this region and am extremely impressed with the many new and remote liveaboard and land-based options. Call for further details, as Indonesia needs visitation now more than ever. I found the diving absolutely phenomenal and the local reception very welcoming and safe.
Bali is now regenerating its fundamental economy of tourism, and I hope we can support this fabulous destination with visitations in 2005.
Routings through Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Bali remain reliable and viable transfer points. The tourism income we all jointly bring to these beautiful and financially volatile destinations is vital to them, and they naturally continue to encourage us to visit.
Jim Heggie
LiveWell Ventures Travel
In spite of the overwhelming events, people realize they have to pick up the pieces and get their lives and businesses back on track.
Those who call this callous fail to see that last thing Phuket needs right now is an economic meltdown caused by tourists staying away as a result of inaccurate news coverage. Thousands of ordinary Thais are employed in the resorts that are now damaged and closed. Mass cancellations would destroy what is left of the island’s fragile economy. If you are booked for a Thailand holiday, please do not cancel.
There are exaggerated news stories about the situation in Phuket. Reports about disease, contamination, water and food shortages and even “widespread looting” are incorrect. In contrast, everyone is working hard to return to normalcy, and tourists are beginning to reappear on the beaches.
Oddly, the beaches look like they did 20 years ago: white, clean sand and calm seas.
Jeroen Deknatel
Fantasea Divers - Ocean Rover Cruises
At Marina Phuket Resort, all guests and staff are safe without any injury. Luckily our buildings, especially our seaside Villas and On The Rock Restaurant, are located quite high from the sea level and had no damage at all. The restaurant is open daily as usual.
Now, the situation in general comes back to normal: shops and restaurants are open for services again. The roads and the beaches are cleaned up, the sea water has become very clean and clear, like normal. Everybody feels safe to be on the beaches again.
Marina Phuket Resort Management & Staff
Dive Thailand, Say This Member!
Went to Thailand and the Similan islands Jan 6 - 22 for a seven-day dive trip, a day in Phuket at Kata, and then Cambodia.
Diving was excellent. There was a little damage at the dive spots, but diving was still world-class.
Phuket, Patong, and Kata showed little damage and clean-up efforts were well on their way. Travel was safe, with no health dangers as far as I could see. Don't cancel your dive trip to the Similans.
Jim Eyler
Next: Reports About the Tsunamis
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