Violence in Venezuela: Crisis Response Press Release

 

The writing sample below is a crisis response press release I developed for the International Public Relations course at DePaul University (Winter 2014).  In this individual exercise, we were to respond to the January 6, 2014 murder of Former Miss Venezuela Mónica Spear, and her husband, Thomas Henry Berry.  My professor, Rajul Jain, had me write this mock press release on behalf of El Ministerio del Poder Popular para el Turismo in Venezuela to potential tourists in Mexico.  In order to complete this assignment, I had to keep in mind the unique cultural characteristics of both Venezuela and Mexico.  For a more detailed description of my approach for this crisis response press release, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEWS RELEASE                                                                                                                   Contact:  Lindsey Barber

March 12, 2014                                                                                                                                           +58 212 555 5555

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                     lindseybarber@mintur.gob.ve

 

In the Wake of Tragedy, Venezuela Addresses Tourism Safety

 

CARACAS, VENEZUELA – Venezuela is saddened and wishes to take responsibility for the tragic event that occurred on the evening of January 6, 2014. Former Miss Venezuela Mónica Spear, 29, and her husband, Thomas Henry Berry, 39, were killed in a roadside robbery during their recent trip to Venezuela. Their 5-year old daughter was injured, and is currently recovering at a local hospital. The Venezuelan Government has been critically assessing the rising crime rates plaguing Venezuela, and the details surrounding this recent event will be investigated thoroughly until resolved.

 

El Ministerio del Poder Popular para el Tourismo is working with other members of the government in order to increase the safety levels for visitors to Venezuela. “My deepest condolences go out to the families of Ms. Spear, Mr. Berry and their daughter. Protecting all those who are residents and visitors of our country is my top priority, and I will work tirelessly to ensure safety in Venezuela,” said President Nicolás Maduro in a statement addressing the situation.

 

For our neighbors in Mexico who wish to visit Venezuela in the future, el Ministerio del Poder Popular para el Turismo encourages tourists first go to www.mintur.gob.ve in orderto receive updates on the country’s current level of safety.

 

El Ministerio del Poder Popular para el Turismo facilitates those mechanisms which are necessary for the development of tourism in Venezuela. This is achieved through public and private investments, a promotion of the Venezuelan culture, and an active participation in the National Tourist System. More information can be found at www.mintur.gob.ve.

 

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