Earthquake & tourism

lola · #1 10-01-2003, 10:39 AM

I have been told that the earthquake has had a huge impact on the tourist activities and that people are losing their jobs. Is this accurate? Are the trips (such as jeep tours, snorkeling and sailing) minimal now as a result?

XanaduRanch · #2 10-01-2003, 11:36 AM

I can't speak to the hotels, but I haven't seen any noticeable changes in the amounts of tourists here personally. The tours seem to be full as normal. Saw a bunch yesterday driving to Santiago.

Anyway, the earthquake was almost ignored by the rest of the world, with very little press attention so it'd be difficult for me to understand how there could be a big impact if no one even knew about it.

Tom (aka XR)

lola · #3 10-01-2003, 12:32 PM

I see what you're saying. Someone who lives down there told us that people were losing their jobs because of all the problems associated with the earthquake. We were hoping that was not true and that everyone is recovering and are gainfully employed. I would hate for you all to lose any tourist dollars. Especially on the great excursions available.

Hlywud · #4 10-01-2003, 12:38 PM

They are booking trips here in Canada like crazy, a lot of places in the DR are sold out by Canadian tour operators. I didnt get what I wanted for January 2004, still looking for November 2003.

Larry · #5 10-01-2003, 12:40 PM

I think most people look at the Earthquake as a freak of nature that happens once every 50 years and not something to be concerned about. Aside from that, the earthquake got zero coverage in the media in North America and I assume little if any in Europe so I'll bet that the majority of potential tourists that may be planning a trip to the DR as we speak do not even know there was an earthquake. When I returned to NY from my trip last week everyone who I told there had been an earthquake in the DR had not heard a thing about it.
Larry

mkohn · #6 10-01-2003, 02:04 PM

We received no news regarding the eq in the DR. Any of them!

Sounds like it's the same everywhere.
I doubt that any travel agency would make an announcement of earthquakes to dissuade paying customers.
Maybe it's just propaganda to blame the poor economy on 'acts of god.'
mk

lola · #7 10-01-2003, 06:31 PM

Thanks everyone. Actually I was trying to see if the person who reported this lost their job on their own or if it was actually due to misfortune in the DR. My friend has gotten herself into a situation with someone and I'm waiting to check the validity of the story.

PJT · #8 10-01-2003, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Larry (ILoveDR)
Aside from that, the earthquake got zero coverage in the media in North America

Larry, I understand where you are coming from. What happens in the D.R. is nothing more than a "blip" on the radar screen to the rest of the world. However, the link to the CNN blip follows. Regard, PJT

http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/americ....ap/index.html

DamnYankee · #9 10-01-2003, 11:49 PM

Lola please elaborate on your story. Maybe I'm reading too much into this but it sounds like someone's sankie needs cash. Just curious.

lola · #10 10-02-2003, 10:14 AM

Not sure what "sankie" is, but my friend met a guy who lives there while we were vacationing. She went back to visit him for a week and now he's moving to be with her. Some of the things he's been telling her make me question him. Did he really lose his job because the earthquake shook up tourism? After the earthquake did looters get into his bank account? Interesting, don't you think?