Keep travelling, says UK trade

Operators and agents are urging consumers to keep visiting countries affected by the tsunami.

One of the UK agents speaking out is Responsibletravel.com founder Justin Francis, who says countries such as Thailand, where 200,000 people are supported by tourism, need the tourism trade more than ever in the wake of the tragedy.

He is urging holidaymakers to continue visiting the dozen or so countries affected by the tsunami, but not before checking with their tour operator, accommodation provider and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advisory that it is safe to do so.

This is an important point, as tourists could put extra pressure on already stretched water, electricity, food and medical supplies, in some areas struggling to recover in the wake of the tsunami.

He added: “Local tour operators in Thailand and Sri Lanka are very concerned that the blanket media coverage will paint a picture of uniform destruction which does not represent the truth and will dissuade travellers from booking in 2005.”

Mr Francis’ own company, Responsibletravel.com, had seven clients holidaying in Sri Lanka when the tsunami hit, all of whom returned safe. He also sent two more clients to the destination, after checking with the local operator, on December 28, because they wanted to help with the relief effort.

Advice offered by Mr Francis for travellers heading to the affected areas includes staying in locally owned hotels, hiring a local guide, eating in locally owned restaurants and taking useful gifts on holiday with you to give to local people.

Another industry figure who has voiced his opinion is the Co-operative Travel Trading Group chief operating officer, Mike Greenacre, who says travel advisors at the 600 Co-op Travel and Travelcare stores are being kept up to date with the situation in Asia in order to help holidaymakers continue with their plans.

Mr Greenacre said: “You can’t fail to be moved by the speed with which money is being raised to support victims of the tsunami. However, all the efforts of fundraisers to help support these countries will be undermined if holidaymakers stay away from unaffected resorts.”

He also said that he thought operators and agents in the UK would not be adversely affected. He said: “The immediate reaction of consumers hasn’t been to cancel travel plans simply to select an alternative destination. This means we are seeing an increase in the proportion of people selecting western long-haul locations.

“If this trend continues through the key booking period it will have serious implications for the economies of countries already facing a tough task recovering from this disaster.”