It's not a matter of theory, we now have enough evidence to suggest that either natural or human-caused disasters and crises definitely affect the traveling public.

While the present conditions are challenging, the future is even less reassuring. Our focus is very much on the future ... if the industry is going to be in a position to provide the kind of quality service and attention that our visitors will demand.

The overall work-force development strategy must address all of these concerns and more if the industry is going to be in a position to provide the kind of quality service and attention that our visitors will demand.

People are looking for something different at the same time, they want the sense of security that goes with traveling within the United States.

Hawaii is a model -- the (Pacific) Tsunami Warning Center, excellent warning systems for hurricanes, good first-responder services. This whole level of providing assurance is important.

One destination's misfortune can be positive for another one, and we're clearly an example of that. But those same forces can work the other way.

We used to say that the motivations for tourists were sea, sun and sand ... the three new S's are safety, security and sanitation.