Traveler Rick Von Feldt, an American working in Singapore, had just arrived at his hotel in Phuket, Thailand, when the first tsunami waves hit the beach directly below his hotel. From his perch on the hill, he watched in horror as the devastating waves ripped apart the beaches and town below. In mere seconds, much of this beautiful destination was destroyed and hundreds of lives were lost. (Read his gripping story at http://phukettsunami.blogspot.com.)

Von Feldt was just one of the thousands of tourists touched by the tsunami tragedy along the Indian Ocean. What was supposed to be an enriching and relaxing holiday turned into a nightmare that changed lives forever. Tourists were not the only people affected. Entire communities were destroyed and over 160,000 lives were lost in 12 countries.

It was a day the world will never forget.

Yet in addition to the human tragedy and the difficulties of rebuilding lives and communities, many of the affected countries must confront another challenge — recovering the tourism industry that is so vital to their economies. These countries need travelers like Von Feldt to return.

Tourists, though, may be hesitant to book trips to Indian Ocean nations right now, unsure of whether or not tourism facilities are open or if travelers are even welcome at this time.

For these travelers, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has one message: “You are welcome here, please come!”

According to the PATA, most properties and attractions in Indian Ocean destinations have sustained little or no damage. Of the PATA's 45 Asia Pacific member countries, only three destinations suffered significant travel sector losses: the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Parts of India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Malaysia have experienced minimal damage to their travel and tourism infrastructure.

In Phuket, the waves tossed vehicles like toys. This is one street over from the main beach. The water rushed in so strongly, that every side street for three to five blocks inland received this kind of damage.

The Maldives face an uphill battle. The tiny island nation was brutally battered by the tsunami waves. Government experts claim that island maps will have to be redrawn.

Since tourism is a mainstay for the Maldivian economy, bringing in 60 percent of the country’s foreign revenues, this loss is devastating. Other key tourism destinations that suffered include Khao Lak, Phi Phi beach and Phuket in Thailand, as well as Galle in Sri Lanka.

All of these tourist destinations expect to rebuild, albeit to new codes and redefined areas. They will welcome travelers back someday soon, says the PATA.

While it is advisable to stay away from these specific destinations during the clean-up and rebuilding process, the travel organization claims that the best way for people to help — besides donating money — is to come and visit. 

"The human loss of this tragedy is unprecedented,” says PATA President and CEO Mr Peter de Jong. “However, the negative impact will only be exacerbated if tourists cancel or postpone their visits. Now more than ever, Indian Ocean countries want you to come visit. Not only will tourism maintain jobs and boost local economies, it will also be a sign of support and solidarity, giving new hope and confidence to those who have begun to rebuild their lives and livelihoods."

Mr de Jong added: "If you have not yet planned a visit, please consider booking a trip. If you wish to make a difference, visit the many safe and intact parts of the affected destinations. The money you spend and, importantly, the hearts you touch, will make a difference."

Travelers are advised to contact resorts directly or check with their travel agent if they have any questions on which facilities are open. In addition, the PATA has given out the following information on affected travel destinations (see table below). It is advisable to check back for updates.

"Some travelers have mentioned that they would not feel good by enjoying themselves while others who have suffered so much, are working,” says John Koldowski, Managing Director of the PATA. “Actually, working is what the locals like to do and in fact need to do. The best thing travelers can give to the industry now is its sense of dignity and worth.” 

Tourism Center Updates

MALDIVES
Of the island nation's 87 resorts, 64 are currently operational. Many of
those that have been damaged are expected to be operational within a
matter of weeks or months. Only a handful of resorts have sustained
considerable damage. For specific details on affected resorts, please
refer to:
http://www.visitmaldives.com.mv/mu/latest/update_situation_assessment.php

SRI LANKA
Of Sri Lanka's total hotel supply of 244 properties, 183 remain fully
operational. The hardest hit districts of Sri Lanka include: Ampara,
Hambantota, Galle, Kalutara, Matara and Trincomalee. A detailed listing
of the condition of hotel properties and their respective conditions is
available at:
http://www.contactsrilanka.org/list_oftourists.htm.  

This Starbucks in Phuket was destroyed.

THAILAND
The damage to Thailand's tourism industry is exclusively confined to the
southern provinces adjoining the Andaman Sea: Phuket, Phangnga, Krabi,
Ranong, Satun and Trang. Within these provinces the impact was varied
and highly localised.

Many places are operating normally. The remainder
of Thailand's tourism destinations were untouched by the tsunami and
remain fully operational. The majority of tourism infrastructure in Phuket remains intact with only 10 percent of total rooms inventory impacted. The following recommended update by the Tourism Authority of Thailand provides specific details on which hotels remain operable and which have sustained minor or major damage.
http://www.sawadee.com/tsunami/hotels.htm.