TOURISM TRADE SHOW LISTING

[msmarple]

I'm reposting this - I try to do this every day on the LCD. For one thing, there's a link to the hotel, for directions etc.

Posted by Richard on the front page of SM 5/23/07:

The Aruba Tourism Authority will be taking part in a June 27-July 1 event for travel agents only at the Hilton Hotel on 2 Poydras Street in New Orleans.

The event is sponsored by http://www.vacations.com .

As always, VolunteersforNatalee@gmail.com is a contact address that will try to link up anyone interested.

We confronted Aruba Tourism Authority in Boston.
We confronted Aruba Tourism Authority in Miami.
Now we can take them on in New Orleans.

Stand up for Natalee!

No justice for Natalee … no tourists for Aruba.

If you’re interested, go to:
SM ATA Travel Show thread, page 5 (scroll down) -
http://www.scaredmonkeys.net/viewtopic.php?t=1003&start=80

Hilton Neworleans – Riverside – thread:
http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/MSYNHHH-Hilton-New-Orleans-Riverside-Louisiana/index.do
Two Poydras Street, New Orleans, Louisiana
Tel: 1-504-561-0500
The hotel faces the Mississippi River and is “right at” the French Quarter.

[Vicki]

This is very distressing..... I know of two woman that are going and they will be bringing the signs. The condo is great since they wont need hotels and I hear New Orleans is coming along nicely... Please go to this event if you can. I will donate money to whoever can go.....

[msmarple]

Vickie - Oh, good, I'm glad someone is on it. Please post on the LCD!

Is someone working on the permit?

Others will be maybe more interested if they know something is happening.

Another thing is that this is a long-ish one and some may not be able to stay the whole 5 nights?

I'll think about it myself. I can handle all of my own expenses. I just can't stand for long period of time. I will have to pace!

[msmarple]

Vickie - Never mind, I'll post your post. (?)

I'll email you or somebody tonight (from home computer).

[Vicki]

Okay thanks...we also have a condo at the protesters disposal....

[Richard]

Let me say a bit about that condo (actually, a time share; but for all I know, it might be the same thing).

Two days ago, a self-described new poster on another forum (BFN) wrote to me at VolunteersforNatalee@gmail.com and offered to let people who were taking part in the New Orleans demonstration against the ATA stay at her time share.

I wrote back saying that this offer was more than generous, and that I would spread the word.  What I suggested, and she agreed, was that to minimize chances of any "kooks" or Aruba trolls harassing her. I would ask people to spread the word.  And anyone interested should contact VolunteersforNatalee@gmail.com to let us know, and the message and e-mail will be forwarded to this person, who will then contact you directly.

I can promise that I won't give out your e-mail or phone (if you provide it) to anyone else.

I believe that this offer is genuine, not some kind of scam.  I can't promise, but anyone interested would have to make the contact and then decide for yourself.

Today's news about the Holloway Twitty suit being thrown out of court is not the end of the road by any means, but it's depressing ... to me, at least.  I hope it will get some people angry enough to take part in the event.

Stand up for Natalee in New Orleans at the end of June!

[Vicki]

There are a few ppl going from BFN....very nice ppl. Not that we arent..hahahaha but if you want to go, you can either write it on this thread or you can go to volunteersfornatalee@gmail.com

[Richard]

With about two weeks to go until the latest confrontation with Aruba Tourism Authority, I thought I’d give an update on how things are going. And they are going very well.

From June 27 to July 1, the ATA will be present at an event in New Orleans that is open to travel agents only. Since these are the people who push Aruba (those who do), I thought it was very important that Natalee supporters show up to keep the message going: “No justice for Natalee … no tourists for Aruba.”

One person contacted me with an unbelievably generous offer: she would let participants in the protest use her timeshare in New Orleans. This has worked out.

The New Orleans protest is being led by Jamie, whose sister made those wonderful signs that were used in Miami. Jamie told me last night that things are moving ahead.

This will be the biggest turnout ever, judging from the number of people who have said they will take part.

Anyone who wants to make a donation, ask about showing up, or just wants to make a statement of support is asked to write to VolunteersforNatalee@gmail.com. Your message will be passed on to Jamie.

We confronted the ATA at Boston.
We confronted the ATA at Miami.
Now we’re facing them at New Orleans.

And we will not back down. We can’t force them to do justice for Natalee … but we can, and will, make sure that they understand the costs of not doing so.

It’s their choice.

“No justice for Natalee … NO TOURISTS FOR ARUBA.”

[Dihannah1]

Regardless of Robin's letter, whether she supports it or not.  It's the principal.  People can be in danger and if we can educate them, then go for it!  I say the show must go on!

[msmarple]

IMO - the grassroots boycott is ALL we've got. I will continue to support, and agree with, it.

[sharon]

Boycott Aruba

Justice for Natalee Holloway


We almost owe Robin a 'thank you' for providing a boost to our already incredibly strong determination.

I said 'almost'

[Richard]

Remember, folks, in less than one week the New Orleans protest starts.  

From June 27 to July 1, the Aruba Tourism Authority will be in New Orleans trying to sell a bunch of travel agents on the wonders and splendor of Aruba.

"No justice for Natalee ... no tourists for Aruba."

As you might expect, they will be confronted by protesters just as they were at Boston and at Miami.

The ATA must see this as a very important event, because travel agents are in a position to steer people to Aruba.  How many people, before Natalee vanished, ever thought of Aruba at all?  And if their travel agents smiled and said "Oh, aren't you lucky!  It's a wonderful little island!" how many people would have doubted their word?

No longer.  Now tragedy has exposed to the world what Aruba is really like, and brought to light other horrors that were suppressed.  The people showing up in New Orleans will not let the ATA ignore Natalee's case.

Any questions or comments, etc., can be addressed to VolunteersforNatalee@gmail.com and will be forwarded to the person in charge of things.

Beth has said outright that she continues to support the boycott.  We will NEVER let Natalee's case be forgotten!

[Mere]

To all of you who will be in New Orleans....I wish you the very best....I know you are representing many who would like to be there.  Please let us know how you are doing once you arrive....and please stay safe.....Thanks, Mere

[Marlee]

Kudos to those able to go!!!  It's very important to get this message out to the travel agents.  Go get 'em!  

With you in thoughts and prayers.

Marlee

[JusticeforNatalee]

Have a safe trip and thank you for standing up
for Natalee and the principle of justice.

[Dihannah1]

First I just want to wish everybody going to NO,  good luck and wish I could be there to help out!
 
I'm not sure if you've seen all the Diario articles recently with the arrests of Lorenzo, etc.. and violence breaking out in Aruba shown on SM,  but you may want to bring all this up as well.   I believe this would add more to the cause, if people could see the current state of affairs, which is it looks like all hell is breaking loose in Aruba right now!
 
Good luck and God Bless!

[msmarple]

Hope all of you will be Happy Campers in NOLA.

May you have safe travel, good weather, God speed.

Now get out there and break a leg ...  

[Kimmy53]

Good Luck to All of you that are able to go to NO and stand up for Natalee.  God Bless Each and Every One of you.  

Stay Safe!

[Lala'sMom]

Best of Luck to all that are standing up for Natalee.  I am certain that you will make us all very proud.  God bless you and know that I will be thinking of you and praying for you too.

[AZLady]

Best wishes for a successful trip and effective protest.  We're thinking of you and wish we were with you!  We are all there in spirit!!

Thank you for standing up for Natalee!