ETOA has written to Mr Akira Kanai, Chairman of JATA (The Japanese Association of Travel Agents).
The text in English is as follows:
“Along with the rest of the world, we have watched the events occurring in Japan over the last week with shock and deep concern.
We have no doubt that Japan will recover from this. Along with horrific scenes, the world has seen a great nation display huge reserves of organisation and resilience.
For fifty years Europe has regarded Japan as a valued customer. The people have been model visitors and generous in their curiosity and appreciation of Europe.
From an industry position, our immediate thoughts are with those directly affected and with those whose responsibility it is to help the country recover.
If anyone wishes to make a donation to help with the relief effort, we would refer you to your local Japanese Embassy, all of whom are collecting money for the disaster.
If you wish to approach the Japanese Red Cross directly, details are at the bottom of this email.
Yours faithfully,
Thomas Jenkins
Executive Director
European Tour Operators Association”
You can make a direct donation to the Japanese Red Cross Society via one of the two bank accounts shown below. In this case too, please note that, if you choose this method, the normal bank commission for converting your donation into Yen will apply.
1. Donations to be forwarded to the Donation Allocation Committees of the relevant local governments in the affected areas to be dispensed to the people affected by this disaster.
Bank: Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
Branch: Ginza
Account No.: 8047670 (Ordinary Account)
SWIFT Code: SMBC JP JT
Payee Name: The Japanese Red Cross Society
Payee Address: 1-1-3 Shiba-Daimon Minato-ku, Tokyo JAPAN
If you need a receipt, please indicate accordingly in the remarks column of the payment slip.
2. Donations for the relief operations of the Japanese Red Cross Society in the Tohoku district:
Bank: Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
Branch: Ginza
Account No.: 8047705 (Ordinary Account)
SWIFT Code: SMBC JP JT
Payee Name: The Japanese Red Cross Society
Payee Address: 1-1-3 Shiba-Daimon Minato-ku, Tokyo JAPAN
If you need a receipt, please indicate accordingly in the remarks column of the payment slip.
