A personal message from the Publisher

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Martin Moodie
Martin Moodie is the Founder & Chairman of The Moodie Report.

The moon has a face
And it smiles on the lake
And causes the ripples in time
I’m lucky to be here
With someone I like
Who maketh my spirit to shine

– Warren Zevon, ‘Don’t let us get sick’

Regular readers of The Moodie Blog will have noticed that I have been less than prolific in my contributions lately, for which I apologise. Normal service, I promise, will be resumed as soon as possible.

The lack of entries is down to an unexpected personal development after I was diagnosed recently with stomach cancer.

The purpose of this communication is not to regale readers with details of my complaint – it is no more noteworthy than similar illnesses being suffered by millions all around the globe.

However, I am in a highly visible industry role and therefore, on balance, have decided that there is a need to communicate my occasional and perhaps prolonged absence in the weeks to come as I begin treatment.

I also feel a need to express my profound gratitude for the immense kindness and warmth that has been shown to me by so many people in the industry who have heard the news. I am deeply touched by their expressions of support and concern.

Similarly, the entire Moodie Report team, already a close-knit band, have stepped in behind me to a degree that fills me with both humility and pride. Individually and collectively they are class acts, and it is their strength, passion and ability that is the real hallmark of this organisation that I am so honoured to lead. It is intensely reassuring to know that the quality of our product will not suffer in my absence.

To close, I am in good spirits, determined to defeat this illness while respecting its magnitude. My prognosis leaves plenty of cause for optimism and it is my absolute conviction that I will emerge from this period in my life strengthened both physically and spiritually. I am in good medical hands and supported by the most extraordinary and loving of families.

Readers will understand that I need some privacy in the weeks ahead, though I will still endeavour to answer e-mails during periods of absence from the office.

Thank you, as I have said many times down the last eight years, for your support of The Moodie Report.

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  • Our last wishes were posted just at the start of Summer, and suddenly Fall is almost here. We think of you Martin, we don’t forget, we will not tire out and repeat our wishes, as we have faith that with the help of treatment and courage, this will be the season of healing. God Bless!

  • Dear Martin,

    I just read the Blog and found about about your illness, I am really sorry – hadn’t read the blog for some time and only just now found out. I am really at a loss for words and of course also join all the others in the industry in wishing you everything for a speedy recovery. If you need anything please do give a shout. I will be thinking of you and look forward to seeing you fit again, god bless !

    Patrick

  • Hi Martin,
    You will make it. My team and myself send you a lot of energy and positive thinking.
    You know where to reach me should you need anything.
    All the best,
    P.

  • loha Martin,

    Here at Maui Jim we were sad to learn about your sickness.
    We have asked our Hawaiin god to pray for you.

    I wish I had a magic wand
    To make it go away;
    I’d wave my scepter over you
    Until you were okay.

    I’d think good thoughts; I’d send you love;
    I’d transmit healing vibes;
    My wand and I would surely beat
    Whatever the doc prescribes.

    But there is no magic scepter, so
    I cannot cast a spell;
    Just know you’re often in my thoughts,
    And I hope you’ll soon be well!

    By Joanna Fuchs

    The Maui Jim team

    A

  • Dear Martin,

    I have just learned from Lois Pasternak’s Travel Markets Insider and your blog about your illness. My whole family is shocked and very sorry to hear it. We pray for your full recovery.

    The most important in fighting is not to giving up even at the most difficult times. In my opinion, the best remedy is to be as busy as possible in your beloved work. It will keep you distracted, and hopefully comforted by the outpouring of support and prayer from near and afar.

    You are excellent in publishing, writing, organizing high level conferences and an extraordinary moderator. For many years, we consider you as our good friend who is always ready to help. So, please don’t hesitate to call on us in case there is anything we can do.

    Our prayers and wishes for a you to have the strength to fight this battle, the most important of all the battles you fought, of all the challenges you faced.

    With best wishes and regards,

    Dr. Joseph Bussel

    Saybrex International, Inc.

  • Dear Martin,

    YOU have been instrumental in putting Indian Travel Retail in the global map with your dedicated and committed coverage through TMR and getting it the recognition and importance that it deserves, while also guiding us everytime there has been a need.

    I am replying to your blog with disbelief and sadness. All of us back in India from the Industry and I wish you the best for a speedy recovery and our prayers are always with you.

    Take care and yes, if you need any support, from my side, I am just a call away.

    Best Wishes,

    Shriram

  • Dear friend:

    If even despite the distance, I always have you present in my mind, not only as an excellent professional that you are but also as an extraordinary person, you can’t imagine how close from you I am feeling today.

    In many opportunities, in those few but rich moments of serenity that our activity allow us, we have talked about the personal challenges that life put us through, about our struggles and above all, about our accomplishments !

    I know about your spirit, because with all my respect, I believe we have more than one thing in common, and I know that you will find the positive side of the situation, the same one which come from the poem at the beginning of your message: “I’m lucky to be here”, very similar to the phrase that I use myself in difficult moments: “I’m lucky, everything could be worse…”

    That’s in fact the kind of spirit, which one in a short period of time, will make me say: “Martín triumphed again!!

    I embrace you.

    Paco

  • Martin – May you find the strength and courage to face this challenge, and emerge brighter and stronger than ever.

    With my thoughts and prayers,

    Caroline.

  • Dear Martin,

    We would like to wish you all our support.
    Nous sommes de tout coeur avec vous.
    Best Wishes.
    Priscilla et Frederic Beaulieu
    Kaloo Parfums

  • Dear Martin
    Your have the fortitude and dominant spirit to overcome all adversity and we look forward to having you back fit as a fiddle and continuing your splendid work in this great industry.
    My prayers and our company’s prayers are with you
    in this challenging time.
    Roger Winton
    World Class Brands

  • Dear Martin:

    You are in my thoughts and prayers. Surprisingly at a loss for words, I turn to DEVO and the lyrics to one of my favorites….

    Crack that whip
    Give the past the slip
    Step on a crack
    Break your Momma’s back

    When a problem comes along
    You must whip it
    Before the cream sits out too long
    You must whip it
    When something’s goin’ wrong
    You must whip it

    Now whip it
    Into shape
    Shape it up
    Get straight
    Go forward
    Move ahead
    Try to detect it
    It’s not too late
    To whip it
    Whip it good

    When a good time turns around
    You must whip it
    You will never live it down
    Unless you whip it
    No one gets their way
    Until they whip it

    I say, whip it
    Whip it good
    I say, whip it
    Whip it good

    [Instrumental Interlude]

    Crack that whip
    Give the past the slip
    Step on a crack
    Break your Momma’s back

    When a problem comes along
    You must whip it
    Before the cream sits out too long
    You must whip it
    When something’s goin’ wrong
    You must whip it

    Now whip it
    Into shape
    Shape it up
    Get straight
    Go forward
    Move ahead
    Try to detect it
    It’s not too late
    To whip it

    With deep affection,
    Deborah Golden
    Golden and Company

  • Dear Martin, We have just finished praying for your full recovery at our home…see the love from all these people around the world…you are strong!

    Jorge

  • Do you feel it ? This blog is just all of us holding hands around the Travel Retail World because of you. Not only are we better informed business people because of your reports, we are also better persons. Stay strong Martin, hold on to us , your circle of friends.

  • Martin,

    I’m sure you know that there is an army of support behind you in this. Stay strong and know that we are all with you.

    Though I will miss the eloquence and candour of your editorials and blogs, I know it will only be temporary and that you will be back throwing literary punches in a way that that only you are able.

    Of course, if there is any way I can help from afar – please, please reach out anytime… 24/7!

    Your friend,
    Steve

  • Warm heart, deep soul
    Character beauty, the truth is in your thoughts.

    You helped us when we were down,
    you took us to new heights
    you paved the way
    you showed us the light

    To a person that life is a gift, to someone who does not waste it, to someone who is wise about it,
    Martin Moodie

    Get well soon,
    Panos Argyros

  • My dear friend Martin,

    You will be in our prayers and our thoughts. Our hope is for you to have a long lasting and complete recovery. You have been a great friend to me and your love for our industry has made you an icon in our trade. Stay strong and know that everyone who knows you is in your corner.

  • Dear Martin, keep up, we are all supporting you. Never give up ! warm wishes from all of us – Celine

  • Dear Martin,

    I have just read the news through Lois’ info !and I felt so shocked !
    you are just a strong person and I am confident you will succeed in the combating of the illness !
    I wanted to pass you a few words to wish you the best courage to overcome
    I have been knowing for so long and appreciated your high qualities ! the last Asutil in Panama is a good and vivid memory
    all the best to you and hoping to see you very soon
    with my warmest regards
    christine

  • Dear Martin ,

    Try to be as positive as possible as I know you will be .

    If the flying dutchman can be of any help he will be there .

    Jan

  • Dear Martin,

    I was so sorry to hear about your illness. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Warm regards,
    Margaret

  • My dear Martin!

    As you know I am not in touch with many from the industry, but just received a message from Lois.

    What a shock! I hope you know how much (and how often) I think of you and all the many things you have done to help my career over our many years together. A smile stretches across my face at all the fond memories of our golfing days, conferences and all the great times shared.

    I am putting every positive wave your way! If anyone can beat this, you can!!! I believe that sincerely.

    All the very best and sending big hugs your way!

    Judi

  • Dear Martin

    My dear friend, prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
    Your strength and determination will see you through, of this I have no doubt.
    See you soon and do not hesitate to call if you need anything.
    Gerry x

  • Martin
    Margaret and I send you our best wishes for a speedy recovery and are sure that the thoughts of so very many friends will be a source of emormous strength and encouragement
    Very best wishes to you and your family
    Frank

  • Dear Martin,

    Your blog is testament to the perfection you are capable of achieving. This illness too, will certainly require the best of your abilities such as research, commitment, conviction, patience, flexibility and above all – the heart – to beat it.

    I am certtain you will.

    Best wishes.

    A friend

  • Dear Martin,
    I, myself, and my team are with you in mind and prayers now and in the weeks to come, wishing you strength and faith to overcome.
    The walk of life has shallows and peaks, but by
    the end of the day it is life that counts, and
    what we make out of it. And you contribute to
    make it good not only for yourself but also for
    all of us who surround you.
    It is now time to “give back”. We all unite to say,
    ‘hold in there Martin, you are the life and soul
    of our businesses, a fine person of intelligence,
    humane and compassionate, a very important person
    in our lives’. You have to make it through this
    challenge and we are here to help in any way we can.
    Just tell us.
    Warmhearted wishes,
    Alessandra and us all at Nuance Watson(HK)

  • Dear Martin, although we did not meet so often, I do follow your reports from around the world and indeed started missing you. Now, that I know let me wish you a good recovery, take your time and in the near future we will greet you back in the circle. May be in sunny Cannes.
    Don’t answer just get better.
    With best wishes, Peter Rentsch

  • dear Martin ,
    I am very sorry to just hear this personal challenge that you are facing .
    I am sure that your mental strength will allow you to overcome it and that very soon you will come back in great shape .
    may I wish you Bon courage and hope to see you soon
    with best personal regards
    Eric

  • Dear Martin,

    Sorry to learn of your ailment. As I am not much of a “joiner” of events & functions, our paths have not crossed that often. However, I am a dedicated reader of your Reports and look forward to them as communications from a personal friend.

    With your indomitable Kiwi spirit, I am sure as you are that you will emerge stronger physically & spiritually. Hey, look at the “All Whites”!

    Get well soon!

    Warmest regards,

    Baker Salleh

  • Martin, my thoughts and prayers are with you now and will be in the weeks ahead – for you of course but also for those closest to you sharing this challenge. You have always been so supportive of all of us in this industry and of so many outside it on both a personal and professional level and it is now our turn to support you in any way we can. Please let us do so! God bless! Jonathan Brown (Drambuie)

  • Martin,

    A marvellous mix of positive thinking, determination and generosity of spirit characterises your approach to life. I’m sure this will stand you in good stead for the challenge ahead. My thoughts are with you. If I can be of any help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

    Very best wishes,
    James.

  • Martin – On your Blog, You do tend to call in the wiser hand of a good poet when your own words are not enough, I follow your lead ;

    “There is no chance, no destiny, no fate,
    that can circumvent hinder or control,
    the firm resolve of a determined soul”
    Ella Wheeler Wilcox-American Journalist and Poet.