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Gecko’s Offers Asia Discounts |
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Written by Peregrine Adventures
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Tuesday, 18 January 2005 |
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Gecko's Offers Asia Discounts To Boost Economic Aid In Tsunami-Affected
Countries
To encourage travellers to go back to the places that need it most, Gecko’s
Adventures is offering 10 per cent off a selection of trips throughout Southern
Thailand, India and Sri Lanka for bookings made before 28 February 2005 for
travel throughout 2005.
To encourage travellers to go back to the places that need it most, Gecko’s Adventures is offering 10 per cent off a selection of trips throughout Southern Thailand, India and Sri Lanka for bookings made before 28 February 2005 for travel throughout 2005.
While the loss of life resulting from the Asian tsunami is on an incomprehensible scale, there is another side to the tragedy, says Gecko’s Manager, Steve Wroe.
"Long-term economic suffering, resulting from a decrease in the number of travellers visiting the affected areas, will have a profound impact on those still reeling from the disaster," he says.
"Thousands of jobs will be lost and businesses will close down if travellers shy away from southern Thailand, South India and Sri Lanka."
"While it is both right and understandable for travellers to be concerned about visiting places whose communities and infrastructure are severely damaged - and to be worried about the risk of disease - common sense must also prevail."
In southern Thailand, the extent of the damage is far less than some media reports would indicate. While images of flattened resorts and bodies demonstrate the impact of the disaster, other less affected regions are still fully operational – but are suffering a dramatic downturn in business.
"Our staff in Thailand and Sri Lanka are obviously devastated, but they are also concerned that images of death and destruction shown on TV are misleading and will do them long-term harm as travellers cancel, defer, or divert their plans," said Mr Wroe.
In Phuket, the vast majority of hotels are unaffected and virtually all restaurants are open. Only a few places in southern Thailand (namely Phi Phi island and Khao Lak near Krabi) were destroyed.
In Sri Lanka, the beach resorts on the south and east coast, and the colonial city of Galle were devastated and many thousands killed. However, most of the country’s highlights are inland, and the beaches near the capital, Colombo, are as beautiful as ever.
"The tsunami destroyed an unthinkable number of lives but the ongoing economic impact of the disaster is, to an extent, in our hands. As such, we’re encouraging our travellers to do something for themselves and locals by travelling to the amazing regions of Thailand, India and Sri Lanka," said Mr Wroe.
Gecko’s is offering 10 per cent off a selection of trips throughout Southern Thailand, India and Sri Lanka for bookings made before 28 February 2005 for travel throughout 2005.
For details, contact your travel agent or nearest Peregrine Travel Centre on 1300 854 444, or visit the Gecko’s web site at www.geckosadventures.com
Gecko’s is a leading small group adventure tour operators to Asia and has a strong focus on responsible tourism. Gecko’s employs only local leaders and utilises local suppliers wherever possible to ensure the maximum economic return to the local community. Based in Australia, Gecko’s has been operating in Asia, along with sister company, Peregrine, since 1982.
END
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 24 September 2005 )
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