Travel industry unites to revive Japan

Last night the Asian travel industry pulled together in a huge gesture of support and solidarity to revive Japan and help those affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami. More than 100 travel industry professionals joined Travel Daily Asia at Bangkok’s Bed Supperclub for the ‘TDA Revive Japan’ charity fundraising event.

Even before the doors were opened, the event managed to catch the imagination of the industry. No fewer than 23 travel companies from seven countries across Asia donated prizes, which were auctioned off on the night to raise much-needed funds for the Japanese Red Cross. In addition, Ukrainian carrier AeroSvit gave away a door prize of two tickets to Prague worth THB72,000 (US$2,370), which was won by Harsh Adhyapak from Equinox Marketing. This prize was a gesture of thanks to the guests, all of whom generously made a charitable donation just to attend the event.

Travel Daily Asia’s Managing Director & Editor, Gary Marshall, who was in Tokyo when the earthquake struck, said the successful event proved that in the face of adversity, the travel industry was united.

“It was extremely heart-warming to see such a strong show of support from the travel industry for this event,” said Marshall. “Everyone I’ve spoken to since the terrible events in Japan has wanted to help the relief effort, so we organised this event as a way of channelling that generosity – giving people a place to come together and help revive Japan. I was truly moved by the response, and would like to thanks everyone involved in last night’s event for their support.

“One of the most encouraging aspects of the event was that several people who were unable to attend last night’s event still donated to the cause. This is a wonderful act of generosity and proves how much the recent disasters have touched people’s hearts,” Marshall added.
TDA and Bed Supperclub’s Support Japan Revival evening eventually raised in excess of THB200,000 for the earthquake and tsunami relief effort, which will now be donated in full to the Japanese Red Cross. People can still donate to TDA’s Revive Japan appeal. Simply visit www.traveldailyasia.com/rf_paypal.html to make your pledge.

TDA would like to thank everyone who supported the event, including prize sponsors Ascott, AeroSvit, Baan Laksasubha, Banyan Tree Bangkok, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Chi Residences, Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Grand Pearl, Hard Rock Penang, Hotelbeds, Jetstar Asia, Khiri Group, Marriott Executive Apartments Sukhumvit Park, Movenpick Hotel Hanoi, Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, Pimalai Resort & Spa, President Park, Rex Hotel, Renaissance Hotel Ratchprasong Bangkok, Royal Orchid Sheraton Bangkok, SALA Hotels & Resorts, Siam Niramit, W Hong Kong and Wan Fah, as well as Finlandia, Pepe Lopez, Singha and of course Bed Supperclub for keeping everyone fed and watered.

Pictured (from left): Gary Marshall, Managing Director & Editor, Travel Daily Asia; Supparang Pichairat, Sales & Marketing Manager, AeroSvit Airlines; Harsh Adhyapak, Equinox Marketing.