Eagle beach -- Two letters arrived at the AHATA headquarters recently, one from the Caribbean Hotel Association and one from Destination Marketing Association International expressing support for Aruba from leading regional and international associations.
The Aruba Tourism Authority also recently published a letter sent by Vincent Van der Pool Wallace, the president of the Caribbean Tourism Organization protesting Aruba’s treatment in the media. The letter was addressed to Condolisa Rice.
Jorge Pesquera, President & CEO, Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association declared that while destinations might be vulnerable to international media pressures, Aruba’s friends stand strong and firm in this communication crisis.
21 November 2005
Jorge Pesquera
Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association
L.G. Smith Boulevard 174
P.O. Box 542
Oranjestad, Aruba
Dear Jorge:
It is with regret and disappointment that I saw Alabama Governor Bob Riley's decision to call for a travel boycott to Aruba as a pressure tactic to hasten the Natalee Holloway investigation. I am also disappointed by similar expressions by Dr. Phil McGraw in his popular TV show.
Travel boycotts are harmful policies not only for the tourism industry, but for all world economies, creating a dangerous precedent for others in the future to haphazardly duplicate. In Aruba's case, where 70 percent of the economy is tourism based, this suggested boycott –if extended further–would only harm thousands of law abiding tourism employees and companies that, from all accounts, have gone out of their way to assist the family and authorities in the search for the missing young lady. Fortunately, as I understand it, the U.S. State Department is not involved in this governor's decision, and by inference, does not condone this boycott practice either.
Everyone in the world has felt empathy and sadness for this young girl's family, and we all hope for a resolution soon. In Aruba we have seen the extraordinary efforts that even ordinary citizens have undertaken to help solve this case, including multiple volunteer search teams. I know that the Dutch and Aruban authorities continue to work faithfully with our own Federal Bureau of Investigation to find Miss Holloway.
I have read with interest several major Alabama city newspapers opposing the governor's boycott decision, and can only hope that the people of Alabama and the United States in general, though sad about the tragic disappearance of their young compatriot, will also recognize the flawed and unreasonable rationale for this boycott issuance.
In short, please know that your peers in the destination marketing profession are sympathetic to your plight and have strong faith that Aruba will continue steadfastly with the investigation until Miss Holloway's case is resolved, and ultimately, preserve its longstanding reputation as a safe and peaceful island.
Best regards,
Michael Gehrisch
President and CEO
Destination Marketing Association International
25 November 2005
Jorge Pesquera
President & CEO
Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association
L.G. Smith Boulevard 174
Oranjestad, Aruba
Dear Jorge,
I was very dismayed and disappointed to hear of the recent call for a travel boycott to Aruba by the Governor of Alabama, Bob Riley. While we have been saddened by the disappearance of Miss Natalee Holloway, this action is unfortunate and counterproductive. For Governor Riley to feel the necessity to resort to this type of tactic is extremely disheartening and should not be condoned by responsible leaders. It is ludicrous to believe that any destination would hostage its future by protecting any individual engaged in any criminal activity. This boycott, while we understand has not been supported by the US State Department, will only harm the welfare of the entire population who has been so supportive of the family as well as the countless American based companies who pride themselves on their presence in Aruba and the valuable relationship they share with the Aruba Government and people. We are also concerned about the negative impact this could have on the Caribbean region as a whole.
The Caribbean Hotel Association is well aware of the outstanding efforts that have been
conducted by the Government and general population of Aruba in support of the family in its search for Natalee and share your hope for a positive resolution to her disappearance. It is this type of compassion and spirit that the Caribbean community should use as a model. We can only be optimistic that the ongoing investigation will yield a positive outcome. Aruba has always enjoyed a well-deserved reputation as being one of the Caribbean’s most safe and secure destinations. We know that this type of tragedy could happen anywhere and we are fully supportive of the efforts being made to resolve the case. We also know that Aruba has been at the forefront of safety and security with its well recognized Hospitality and Security Foundation, a tried and proven model of public and private sector partnership. We applaud the perseverance and leadership of the AHATA and our thoughts continue to be with you and the people of Aruba.
Jorge, please know that the CHA and its entire membership stand in full support of AHATA, the Government of Aruba and the entire Aruban community as you work to sustain your industry and preserve your reputation and integrity. Please do not hesitate to call on me personally at any time when you need any assistance.
Best regards,
Alec Sanguinetti
Director General & CEO
