Global Economy and Travel
That Matt Lauer guy has got travel wrong
Matt Lauer from the US television morning show, The Today Show, does an annual segment called “Where in the World?” in which he traipses to exotic destinations to pique his viewers’ interest. Well, apparently this year, he is “staying home” in an effort to avoid sending the “wrong” message.
By “staying home,” he means he will not be traveling outside of the United States, and by “wrong” message, he means that it might be inappropriate to travel given that so many have lost their jobs.
Having just returned from the largest travel trade show on earth (called ITB Berlin), I can’t even begin to fathom what Lauer is thinking. For one, it is hard to imagine that anyone who works in the news industry would have such a narrow-minded vision. Yes, there is a recession, and yes, unemployment is skyrocketing. But all of this is true on a global level, hence the current phenomenon called the “global economic crisis.” It is self indulgent to think that the current situation is only affecting the United States.
So, why should Lauer discourage traveling abroad? If he is one who thinks outside the box, he will know that this is probably the most opportune time to travel for so many reasons. One, for those who can afford to travel, this is probably the best time to take advantage of travel bargains that wouldn’t be offered otherwise in a regular economy. Second, the world looks up to the United States to be the trailblazers of trends. Instead of “staying home,” US travelers should ready their passports and spur travel now more than ever. It would certainly help alleviate some of the perception problems about “America” elicited by a collective abhorrence by the world from the previous US administration.
“How is Lake Como?” I asked a colleague at ITB Berlin, and she responded, “It’s empty. Everywhere is empty.”
Well, there you have it, Matt Lauer – hotel rooms in destinations around the world are empty. Shouldn’t you know this being that you anchor one of the most-watched morning shows in the US?
The point here is not to be extravagant, but rather spur travel for those who can still afford it. The US needs it, so does the rest of the world.
Comments
I have been encouraging folks to travel in these times and I took off on a round the world trip after leaving my job myself. I think Matt Lauer was trying to be sensitive to the American public who are worried about their finances and could perceive his annual trip as especially frivolous this year.
But he should have done it, kept a smile on his face and encouraged those who can to do.
Very good article. Let me just re-phrase the last paragraph in your article Mr. Alcantara that says "to spur travel for those who can still afford it. The US needs it, so does the rest of the world." This is indeed very true!
Mr Nelson Alcantara has raised some very vital points in his response to the stand taken by the US TV personality.
At this crucial juncture, those who matter, like the US TV man, should do all in their power to promote travel, rather than curb it. And this is what the ETN Editor in Chief has rightly emphasised.
Oh Matt, did you get it wrong!
Some of us might only dream of far away exotic destinations, some of us will probably see these beautiful places on T.V. Don't take these pleasures from us, we need them to get us through our daily grind, especially in these uncertain times and after all dreams can come true.
Thanks Nelson. Great article.
I am surprised at Matt. The travel industry comprises one of the largest industry's in the world & the USA. Because of ill thought out remarks by Presidetn Obama the meetings & convention business has been devastated with cancellations & the thought process being that it is not "right."
It is "right" & just last week after a delegation of travel Executives met with President Obama they received his blessing as to the importance of travel & the travel industry. His remarks were not meant to have people & company's cancel their plans. Because of cancelled plans 0ver 200,000 people within the hospita;lity business are out of work. This number can grow expeditiosly unless curtailed.
People must start thinking positively about life & about travel. By Matt's cancelling it just feeds the cancer. We have to take positive steps & his doing his annual show is the"right" thing to do. It will aid a major industry & more importantly it will set a positive mood which is what needs to be accomplished.
Andy Pesky
Sr. Vice President
Protravel International
"THAT MATT LAUER HAS MOST DEFINATELY GOT IT WRONG!"
SOME OF US DREAM OF FARAWAY EXOTIC DESTINATIONS. DON'T LET ANYONE TAKE THAT AWAY FROM US WE NEED THESE DREAMS TO GET THROUGH OUR DAILY GRIND AND AFTER ALL DREAMS CAN COME TRUE. "TALK UP TOURISM."
THANK YOU NELSON, GREAT ARTICLE.
SANDRA VENESS
MIDDLE EAST TOURS (AUSTRALIA)
WEBSITE: http://www.middleeasttours.com.au
Yip - I agree (even if I do worry a lot about the carbon trail we leave behind when we travel). In fact, I've agreed for some time - so much that some months ago I added to my e-mail signature the phrase: "Go away on holiday - it's in the economy's best interest."
Hre's the full text:
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BarefootClients.co.za
Go away on holiday - it's in the economy's best interest.
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Thanks for sharing this article. This article want to emphasize that Mr. Matt Lauer want to stay and try to focus and get some information with in US.:)
I personally can see Mr. Lauer's point. While travel everywhere is a great bargain right now, he is also sending a message by "buying American". Keeping his dollars in the United States.
Also, for those that maybe can afford to stay close to home...large families, etc. Where it may be less expensive to travel by car, than by plane, staying in the United States is a good alternative.
I agree with your points made here. I too just returned from ITB, working in the US Pavilion. There was an energy and enthusiasm apparent amongst tour operators, specializing for travel to the US. In turn, I think it is important that we keep tourism and the travel business in the forefront of people's thinking, if not for immediate result then absolutely for mid to long term returns. Personalities such as Matt Lauer with a huge viewership could definitely serve this cause as a key ambassador - an important task indeed!
I also recorded a short interview (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHzBfOLFAuc) with Visit USA Committe Austria President, Werner Otto Marshall, which also reflects the same sentiments.
If Matt Lauer is concerned about the US economy, why does he not consider the US travel agents and tour operators who make a living by sending clients abroad. Has he thought of the US Insurance companies that insure their travel. Has he considered the US retailers that will be selling guidebooks, suitcases, clothing and other items we normally purchase in preparation for a trip abroad.
The travel industry represents a very large portion of our economy and that means international as well as domestic travel.
While the US$ is strong abroad, people should be taking advantage and taking that trip they have been dreaming of all of their lives. Prices are low, the US$ is strong, and the US image abroad is more favorable than it has been in a long time. NOW IS THE TIME TO TRAVEL ABROAD!
I don't understand why he changed his mind traveling. I definitely agree with you that this is an opportune moment to travel. Not only will he enjoy in the great bargains from traveling, he would also help travel industries in a small way such as by traveling. Travel industries have suffered greatly because less people especially the middle and lower-middle class are traveling. People nowadays prioritize their needs. Several of the travel sector have even resorted to lay-off employees to prevent them from bankruptcy. That is why, people who can, should at least try to enjoy the fruits of their hardwork.
I can appreciate your points about opportunity for travel, but perhaps the Today show is trying to show some constraint in their own budget costs to have Lauer take those usual exotic trips. Being in the travel biz and a small business owner as well, I can tell you that most folks are very leery right now to spend too much on anything that isn't necessary. Airfares are not discounted like they were even 5 years ago.
Excellent article, Nelson, short and right on target. An example of political correctness without thought to the implications. There is nothing "wrong" at all with encouraging Americans to travel in their own country -- which is a continent of diverse travel opportunities in itself -- but to imply a guilty verdict to travel outside the US is misreading the travelling public and sending the "wrong" message to tourism providers abroad.
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