According to Burba, �We have been getting a lot of calls and e-mails about upcoming hotel industry events, and felt the need to reassure everyone that our events are going forward as planned.�  Burba stated that in the last few days, enrollments for both ALIS and the Asia Pacific Conference have picked-up dramatically.  �All of us at BHN and everyone in our industry are deeply saddened by the events of September 11, and no words can begin to ease the pain of lost loved ones, friends and colleagues.  Everyone is still in shock.  However, we believe people are trying to get back to business, and show that we will come through this tragedy strong and united,� Burba stated.  

�Upon reflection, it is important to note that travel and tourism, and thus our hotel industry, have become a very important part of the economic and social fabric of almost every country on the planet.  Travel has become the best and most direct way for peoples and societies to learn about each other, to appreciate the differences and to experience the similarities shared by all.  If the world needs anything, it is more travel and tourism and not less.  

On the investment front, it is important to recall that the hotel industry has survived many economic and political crises in the past. Hotels are built to last for decades and even centuries and there is no question the industry will survive this crisis and grow to be even stronger,� Burba added.

�Our programs are being revised to take the recent events into account and, accordingly, will provide an even more valuable service to industry leadership. The need for the investment community to come together, to learn from each other and to make its strategic plans for the future has never been more important,� Burba explained.