The Wave that Followed
February 23, 2005
It has been almost two months since the most devastating tsunami in recorded history billowed from the depths of the Indian Ocean and moved the world to action. The outpouring of compassion from around the globe was a testament to the best spirit of humanity, but the initial aftermath of the killer tsunami was almost incomprehensible---hundreds of thousands dead and millions displaced from their homes. The cost of recovery is reaching into the billions of dollars, much of which has been donated, yet the lives lost can never be replaced.
But, of course, you already know that. What you might not be aware of, however, is that after the waves receded back to sea and the difficult process of restoration and grieving began, a "second wave," less horrific than the tsunami, but nonetheless real, has stolen upon the shores.
That "second wave" is a severe decline in tourism, a vital aspect of the economies of many of the South Asian countries hardest hit by the tsunami. While a decline in tourism may seem like only a passing problem, the effect it could have on an economies already reeling from the cost of the clean-up effort could be severe.
With homes, hotels, business, and shops damaged, many utterly beyond repair, thousands upon thousands of people are out of work and in desperate need for help. Tourism was always a solid foundation for these countries' revenue, but now that foundation is shaky.
For example, during high tourism season in Phuket, Thailand between November and March, there are usually about 35,000 visitors a day. Now that number is estimated to be only about 6,500, even though the hardest-hit areas of Phuket are being restored as quickly as possible. Actually, many of Phuket's beaches weren't hit hard at all.
You may remember pictures of "insensitive" tourists lying on Thailand's beaches only a few days after the disaster. It is hard not to feel a twinge of uneasiness, perhaps even anger, when thinking about those eager tourists. How can a person sunbath when two hundred yards away families are weeping over loved ones lost? However, remember that their dollars were pumped back into a country that desperately needed every cent it could get. It seems a far cry better to visit the country than to simply abandon it in its time of need.
Also, Sri Lanka, desperate to have tourists return, made a bold gesture called "Bounce Back Sri Lanka" in the form of $422 million dollars put towards wooing visitors. With tourism being the 4th largest contributor to its GDP, it's no wonder why they're concerned. Of course, Sri Lanka was, and is, in much need of help, being one of the hardest hit countries, with a staggering number of 31,000 people losing their lives.
Yet the record low tourism stems from a concern to keep people safe. After the tsunami hit on December 26th, many European governments urged citizens not to travel to areas in Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Maldives. Indeed, the U.S. advised citizens to avoid many of those same areas until at least January 25th. It's understandable. With so many people displaced and on the verge of starvation, and located in areas in which adequate housing and medical treatment were a long time coming, if not completely unavailable, the risk of an outbreak of disease had been real.
It is evident now, though, that an outbreak of a disease has been avoided due to the diligence of medical facilities and donations from around the world. In fact, former presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush, opposed as they are politically, have been working together, appealing to Americans to continue donating to the relief effort. And, after recently spent three days touring the coasts of Thailand, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka, they made an appeal for visitors to return, recognizing the importance of the tourism industry.
"Those who want to come here ought to do it," Mr. Bush said at the Kurumba resort [in Maldives]. "If it's as beautiful as it is today, you're going to miss something if you don't."
There are other promising notes. One is that many European and U.S. advisories are no longer in effect, and people are feeling more comfortable about traveling. Also, a big part of the tourism industry in the Asia-Pacific realm, cruising, is starting up again. For instance, Star Cruises, a leading cruise line in that area of the world, will begin their 3-night cruises on March 6, 2005 and add stops in Phuket to their itineraries. And while not all cruise lines sail to this area of the world, those that do contribute much tourism revenue.
Whether via the cruise industry or not, there is no doubt that tourism situation will get better; people will be drawn back to these enchanting lands as if by a siren's song. The only question is when. While many areas have tourists trickling back, there is currently nowhere near the number of people normally visiting during this time of year. The need for visitors and the revenue they generates is arguably as high as the need for donations.
Still, it cannot be forgotten that while tourism is very important, looking out for the immediate well-being, safety, and health of the people directly affected by the disaster should be the number one priority. Let's hope no one overlooks that. What cannot be overlooked, however, is that even the most powerful forces of nature couldn't destroy the inherent beauty of places like Sri Lanka and Thailand, or the spirit of compassion. Life goes on; the scars of paradise will eventually heal.
Michael Gloss JrBook your cruise online
