Amigoe: Safety conference for tourism in the region (Aruba & the Caribbean)

Aruba seems to have confused the disappearance of Natalee Holloway with 9-11, or so says the latest article from Amigoe. The first Caribbean Tourism Security Conference to be held in Aruba in June of 2006 and they site changes that occur in tourism in a post 9-11 world? You are just getting around to an event that took place on September 11, 2001?

The tourist industry has gone through a clear change between the end of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st century. The general opinion of policy makers before September 11th was that disaster- and other trainings that have to do with guaranteeing the safety of tourists were too transparent and led to unnecessary anxiety. From that moment on, tourists clearly made demands on the way the authorities were protecting them.

Are we really supposed to believe that this conference is to be a response to 9-11? Or is it more a reflection of the impact that Aruba faces and the mounting pressure of the disappearance of Natalee Holloway and Aruba’s attempt to convince other Caribbean islands that the “Natalee Holloway effect” will spread to their tourism? Which is actually more frightening? Waiting five years to have a conference dealing with post 9-11 tourism security or waiting one year to deal with the Natalee Holloway effect.

Suddenly Aruba makes security of their tourists a priority? I though they had stated that they have a safe island? So what would prompt such a conference? This couldn’t have anything to do with the disappearance of Natalee Holloway, the manner in how the investigation was handled, the treatment of the family and the decline in Aruban tourism could it? No where in the entire article referencing safety and security does it mention Natalee Holloway. Yet we are supposed to believe that this conference was conceived to counteract security concerns stemming from 9-11. At this pace, the first annual “Natalee Holloway Safety & Security” conference should be taking place in 2010.

Myrna Jansen, director of ATA is elated that Aruba is the first country to organize this conference. “Our economy depends on the tourism. That does not only apply to Aruba, but the entire Caribbean region. Safety is the top priority for travelers. This conference is of great importance and it is great that it takes place in Aruba.” Jansen is convinced that countries that feel very strongly about the safety of tourists and at the same time continue to maintain the level of service will see their tourists come back.

Amigoe; April 10, 2006: Safety conference for tourism in the region

Representatives of Aruba Hospitality & Security Foundation, Aruba Hotel And Tourism Association and Aruba Tourism Authority pose for a picture after the press conference in which the first safety conference was announced.

ARUBA — Safety within the tourist industry in the Caribbean region, the part the media plays during a crisis, and safety during big events are the subjects that will be discussed during the first Caribbean Tourism Security Conference. The conference takes place in the Wyndham Hotel on June 7th, 8th, and 9th.

Ministers and top government officials from a great number of countries in the region, hotel managers, and safety experts are invited for the conference. The tourist industry has gone through a clear change between the end of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st century. The general opinion of policy makers before September 11th was that disaster- and other trainings that have to do with guaranteeing the safety of tourists were too transparent and led to unnecessary anxiety. From that moment on, tourists clearly made demands on the way the authorities were protecting them. Disaster trainings had to be kept noticeable in order to take away the anxiety. As part of this, Aruba Hospitality & Security Foundation (AHSF), Aruba Hotel And Tourism Association (Ahata) and Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) organize together on June 7th, 8th, and 9th the first Caribbean Tourism Security Conference. During the conference, they will talk about the different aspects of safety within the tourists industry. Illustrious experts, like Peter Tarlow, David Shepard, Anne Gallenger and Michael McDonald will give lectures on how safety aspects can be used within the tourism in the Caribbean region. Other subjects that will come up for discussion are the part of the media in case of a crisis, the safety during big events, and the safety in the air and on sea.

Myrna Jansen, director of ATA is elated that Aruba is the first country to organize this conference. “Our economy depends on the tourism. That does not only apply to Aruba, but the entire Caribbean region. Safety is the top priority for travelers. This conference is of great importance and it is great that it takes place in Aruba.” Jansen is convinced that countries that feel very strongly about the safety of tourists and at the same time continue to maintain the level of service will see their tourists come back.

Jorge Pesquera, CEO of Ahata thinks that by organizing the safety conference, the image of Aruba will be highlighted. “Aruba is a safe country and we do our utmost to stay safe.”