Press Release

Consultation on Tourism, Traditions and Terrorism
organised by
Ecumenical Coalition on Tourism (ECOT)
and Christian Conference of Asia (CCA)
April 28 - May 1, 2003, Bangkok, Thailand

Press Release

The representatives of civil society, academe and religious bodies from Australia, Bangladesh, Burma, France, Germany, Hong Kong (China), India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia and Thailand met in Bangkok at the Consultation on Tourism, Traditions and Terrorism during April 28 - May 1, 2003.

The meeting has been held in the midst of fears and anxieties triggered by the outbreak of SARS - Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. This deadly virus has so far claimed the deaths of several hundred people and thousands have become victims of atypical pneumonia caused by the virus.

The participants of the consultation express their deep felt sympathies and condolences to the kin of those who died and have fallen victims of this serious illness.

The General-Secretary of the Christian Conference of Asia and Chairperson of Ecumenical Coalition on Tourism (ECOT), Dr Ahn Jae Woong, underlined that governments and health workers of the affected countries are taking unprecedented steps to contain the spread of the virus. The response from the civil society have been one of caution and reflection. They have mostly supported governmental action while being skeptical of the media sensationalisation of this unfortunate and tragic epidemic.

Time and again the participants observed, that the concern for tourist arrivals appears to be more important than the health and well-being of people. This has resulted in an attempt to mis-represent the safety environment. No doubt tourism is affected by war, disease and other un-expected happenings, which have a devastating impact on economies heavily dependent on tourism, but it must not undermine the right to full and correct information.

Recession has set in and many have been thrown out of employment. The participants appealed to the government to take immediate affirmative action to mitigate the negative impact. They expressed concern about the excessive use of surveillance and regimentation for social control over victims and their relatives, probables and communities at large.

We would also bring to the notice of government and international agencies that the outbreak of SARS has once again revealed the fickle foundations of tourism as a reliable economic activity. The excessive dependence on this industry for economic development would be disastrous for nations and communities.

In solidarity with nations and people who have suffered from the virus we hope that the period of fear and crisis will soon give way to normalcy.

Ecumenical Coalition on Tourism (ECOT), Executiv Secretary Tan Chi Kiong, CCA, Centre 96, 2nd district, Pak Tin Village, Mei Tin Road, Shatin, NT, Hongkong, SAR, China. Email: contours@cca.org.hk