Bangkok--Oct 5--eTurboNews
I came into my office this morning after a busy week at the IT&ME show in Chicago, feeling as positive about the potential for a N. American market visitor recovery as I've felt since the initial 2002 bombing in Bali. In fact - I was elated, fueled further by recent successes in selling several incentive programs to this lovely island retreat following three quiet years of subdued market interest.
Unfortunately, upon opening my first email this morning, that all changed. I was stunned by the news of Saturday's bombing as first reported to me by Mr. I.B. Lolec,Managing Director of Pacific World Bali, whom I represent here in N. America.
I had hoped to never again experience such a sense of loss and sadness connected with what I've always considered a peaceful, and beautiful destination that the world deserves to see and experience. Only this past July I had the pleasure and honor of once again visiting Bali as part of Pacific World's marketing meeting for which its global representatives and executives gathered in a strong show of support for reviving a full geographic market recovery back to Bali. Not one of us thought it would and hoped it would not come to this - again.
Unfortunately, Saturday's events will do immense damage to the recovery of interest that was just now underway - as much as we wish otherwise. Nevertheless, we must as a community of 'lovers of Bali' stand firm in our resolve to do whatever it takes, whatever we can to eradicate the forces that prey upon so many innocent lives and livelihoods.
As one individual, but connected to many in the travel community, I offer the only thing I can - and that is my support and a prayer for all those that perished and their families; for all of those who have worked so tirelessly over the last three years to make Bali and even safer place to visit and to live; for all of those who have chosen to make Bali their home and their chosen place of work. To all of them and to all of those who seek to destroy this peace - hear this prayer and consider that no one who claims to be human - even for an instant -can justify this heinous act against humanity, and especially against Bali, its people and its extended visitor family.
If we abandon Bali - the forces of evil win. We simply cannot let that happen, and while that's an individual choice - it's exactly that personal decision that is ours and only ours to implement, and the one thing over which the terrorists have no power.
In deepest sadness, but with firm resolve and support for one of the the most beautiful places on earth,
Jane E. Schuldt, CITE
President
World Marketing Group
For more information, please contact
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http://www.travelwirenews.com/medie End.