TERROR ATTACK AFFECTS ALL OF US
Posted on 06/14/2016 | About Orlando, Florida
Sad. Senseless. Bloody. The world has reacted with shock and horror to the events this past weekend when a gunman opened fire against patrons at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, killing 49 and seriously wounding 53 others. It was the worst mass shooting in modern US history. The gunman, Omar Mateen, was shot dead by officers. What leads a person to such hatred and madness against individuals who were just out having a good time with friends?
It is ironic this should happen in a city best known for fantasy and the number one family destination. Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando and other family-centric theme parks make their home here.
Politicians, the general public, Muslim and LBGTQ groups from around the world have condemned the attack.
“Our deepest sympathies go toward those impacted and affected by this terrible tragedy. We are appalled and saddened by this senseless act. We continue to work with our community partners on the evolving nature of this incident and have total trust in the dedication of our public officials' leadership during this difficult time,” said George Aguel, president & CEO, Visit Orlando in a statement posted on the VisitOrlando.com website.
John Tanzella, CEO of the Florida based International Gay Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) released a statement saying, "We stand in solidarity with our members and friends in Orlando and send our condolences to all of those whose lives were touched by this violent act.
"It is even more important than ever for all of us in the travel industry to support inclusiveness and unite against those who would have LGBT people live in fear."
All of the theme parks are on high alert and are being extra vigilant and cautious, but undoubtedly this could have, at least in the short-term, an effect on tourism in Orlando and the state of Florida.
It is my belief that people should, and will, still travel to Orlando to visit one of the world’s most popular tourism areas. In 2015, more than 66 million people visited Orlando. Orlando thrives on tourism and conventions, and no one should fear visiting there.
It is still too early to conclusively say what propelled Mateen to do what he did. Reportedly, he had been in some previous communication with people involved with ISIS. Who knows what instilled this level of deep hatred towards gays?
We should remember this gunman was born in the United States. Unfortunately, there is already an anti-Muslim sentiment even though numerous Muslim groups have condemned the attacks. The people at the nightclub were there for the simple purpose of sharing some laughs, stories, drinks and dancing – what millions do on a daily basis. No one deserved this horrific act.
In a US election year, unfortunately this incident has already become political. The Democratic presidential nominee, Hilary Clinton has been somewhat subdued in her comments and focusing on the victims, as well as touching upon the lax gun laws. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has been his usual bombastic self and heavily criticized President Obama for not saying it was, “radical Islamic terrorism” and congratulating himself on predicting such an attack.
How he has the gall to say something like that when 49 lives have been taken and many others hang in the balance is beyond my comprehension.
I hope, though I have my doubts, that this incident (and the many others before it) will spur on a real debate to revisit the gun laws in the United States. Whether politicians have the guts to stand up to the powerful NRA lobby is another story – unfortunately many don’t and this includes both Democrats and Republicans.
When will people learn that more guns are not the answer. The United States is a wonderful country with so many tourism attributes – fantastic culinary choices, affordable, spectacular landscapes, friendly people, numerous activities, incredible choice of accommodation and so much more.
Tourists from its largest source market, Canada, as well as many other countries will think twice if the scale of violence continues and that would be sad for all concerned and could have a devastating effect on the US economy.
Unlike some Caribbean, African, Middle East countries and Russia, the state of Florida and city of Orlando are considered, for the most part, LGBT friendly. It goes to show that there is still a long way to go to erase the hatred that still exists, not only in the US, but around the world.
This month many pride events and festivals are taking place. Extra security and more precautions are now being implemented. Hopefully Toronto’s Pride Festival which is one of the largest in the world will go on without incident. These events bring in millions of dollars to the cities that host them and create so much goodwill.
What can the travel industry do? First wholeheartedly condemn the attacks. Support the victims. Be educated and inform those who aren’t. Organizations like ASTA, ACTA, UNWTO should be vocal and lobby government about inclusive legislation and fight against any discriminatory laws whether it’s regarding the LGBT community or any gender, minority or religion.
In the United States, encourage politicians to toughen up gun laws – why on earth does a person need an assault weapon? There needs to be more thorough background checks. Can’t people wait a few extra days to buy a gun – do they really need it that badly?
This is an election year in the US – there is a real opportunity to make changes. Be inclusive not divisive. We owe it to the innocent victims in Orlando and those around the world who are victims of hatred and abuse.
