When disasters strike, operators are at forefront of relief efforts
I read the recent letter from Bob Kunikoff of RJK Travel [Letters: "Why would you sell one operator vs. another?" June 2] and was intrigued by his reasoning and understanding. As a national U.S. wholesaler/tour operator specializing in the South Pacific, Southeast Asia and Italy, we have for decades been running travel agent fams to these destinations. Most recently, last February, we offered a magnificent fam to Myanmar, which I escorted.
While the time there was peaceful, the reports from the participating travel agents were most positive and the experience was unforgettable, subsequent events set into motion by the recent cyclone dampened the memories, as concerns about the well-being of the locals became too frightening.
When we wanted to assist them in some way, the local Relief Fund office told us that sending food, clothing and goods would be pointless because the military government was confiscating everything that reaches the country. So we devised another way.
The Relief Fund's recommendation was to bring cash only, since with the U.S. dollars relief workers can pay their way to reach the impoverished villages and areas. There is plenty of food and clothing in Yangon, and the cash enables them to buy it and move it more freely around the country. They use the dollars to pay for transports and drivers and to pay off the military guards, as they, individually, are also in desperate need. Liquid cash enables them to freely overcome any obstacle. Anyone who has visited Myanmar knows that only a local Burmese is able to find a way around their own system.
Once this was explained, we raised the funds through supportive travel agencies, travel agents, clubs and fund-raising events. I personally flew to Bangkok, where I met the managing director of the Burmese Fund Relief Center and delivered her the cash.
The amount was sufficient, she assured me, to save at least 5,000 additional people from starvation or death. A local primary school was originally to be rebuilt in one devastated village. Unfortunately, all the children of the village had perished in the 4-meter wave, which, mixed with sand, killed everyone instantly, so there was no longer a need for a school. It has now been decided instead that a monument will be built to their memory.
We have dedicated years in helping unfortunate areas, and during the worst times in Bali, the tsunami, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and now Myanmar, we have dedicated our efforts to making sure that the innocents are helped. Often we have committed 20% of sales to help these unfortunates. As a tour operator/wholesaler, we feel we are in the perfect position to help, as we are at the forefront of reaching the world out there.
I am glad to see that there are still some grateful travel agents in our industry who appreciate the great efforts that we operators invest in helping those less fortunate. I invite Mr. Kunikoff to join our next planned fam, where he can experience the exclusive services that we provide our agents and their clients.
I also want to say thank you to Mr. Kunikoff for bringing this most important matter to the forefront. We are delighted to support a travel agent of such commitment and spirit.
Mario P. Scozia, executive director
A&A Holidays Ltd.
Chicago
Crandall's speech pegged what's wrong with airlines
Bob Crandall's speech ["American's former chief calls for limited regulation," June 10] is one of the most intelligent that I have ever read concerning the state of travel today. Even more intelligent are his suggestions for how the sickness of the industry can be cured.
It is refreshing to know that at least one person is speaking out in a most knowledgeable way as to what is wrong with the airline industry and what needs to be done.
Finally, I see that someone is declaring that fuel is not the issue; rather, airline tickets are not being priced in a businesslike manner.
In addition, airlines are selling too many tickets below cost through outlets other than travel agents or their own websites.
As in Europe, train travel for short markets would be so much smarter for travelers and airlines.
But will our do-nothing, noncaring Congress do anything? It is obvious that the airlines are not able to do this on their own.
Thank you, Bob Crandall, for giving me hope that some sense might still come to this industry before I retire.
Ronald A. Schubert, president
TCU Travel
A subsidiary of Teachers Credit Union
South Bend, Ind.
Turen's 'letter to moms' draws kudos and thanks
I am writing to thank Richard Turen for writing "A letter to the moms of America's agents" [Reality Check, May 19]. A client of our store faxed us a copy of the column, and we have been touched and empowered by it.
While we have always been proud of our profession, the column has given our team morale an extra boost, and so from one "worldwide business travel hassle remover" to another, we would like to thank him sincerely for it.
We have it posted on every workstation to remind us to hold our heads high and be proud, that really our efforts are appreciated.
Peter Sereno, travel consultant
Sydney
What a fabulous column Richard Turen wrote for Travel Weekly! Everyone is reading it. My travel agents and I will be looking at it as a source of empowerment and encouragement.
Kay Ward, team leader
AAA Texas, Arlington
Arlington, Texas
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