LETTER
TO THE EDITOR
Wednesday,
28 February 2007
Dear
Editor,
Please find
attached an article from the Australian Financial Review. The heading
states Security
Fears Spark Corporate Insurance Boom.
The
article clearly shows a photo an armed soldier in front of the Tonga's
Fua a motu International airport sign (which looks war
ravaged) and centres on the rise of unrest and
presence of troops is proving to be a negative factor for tourism. The
picture cleary shows Tonga's international airport, the signage clearly
showing damage (not caused by riots but just lack of maintenance) so
the point is made clear- stay away from Tonga.
In
the previous article of the same newspaper, the increase in tourism in
the Indian Ocean to Mauritius and other destinations is said to be
caused by the unrest in the pacific.
The
point that is pertinent is the ongoing extension martial law (Emergency
Powers) in Tonga is causing potential tourists serious
concern. Hence tourists are now seeking alternate, safer
destinations- away from Tonga. Insurance companies are
increasing their premiums to strife ridden countries that have depolyed
troops to maintain peace.
The persistence
of martial law together with the government's proclaimation that
Emergency Powers are necessary because a threat still exists is
doing nothing more than killing tourism for Tonga.
Its
time the government re-thinks its "democractic witch hunt" strategy
with a view to promoting a safe tourist destination for Tonga.
The
questions now being asked..."How long will the government continue with
the Democratic Witch Hunt Strategy to the demise of Tourism and jobs?"
"Is keeping the
political "status quo" really worth the negative publicity?"
Sifa
TO
THIS LETTER
RESPONSES
