Following the tsunami which struck Indian Ocean rim areas on the morning of December 26, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is reminding consumers that most of Asia has not been affected by the tidal surges.
PATA President Peter de Jong said: "Fortunately, the majority of Asia was unaffected by this tragedy. Outside the Indian Ocean rim areas, the travel industry continues its normal business. There is no need to cancel trips to non-affected areas. And even some affected areas have some coastal hotels that escaped serious impact and are open for business.
The problem only directly impacted the following destinations:
- India (Andaman Islands, Nicobar Islands, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Chennai, Andhra Pradesh)
- Indonesia (Sumatra only; no reports of damage to Java, Bali or other major islands)
- Malaysia (north west peninsula Malaysia -- not the east coast or Sabah or Sarawak)
- Thailand (Andaman Sea coast only -- not resorts in the Gulf of Siam such as Samui, Hua Hin or Pattaya)
- Sri Lanka (coastal areas)
- Maldives (coastal areas)
- Myanmar (southern archipelago only; minimal/no impact reported at Ngapali, Chauntha, and Ngwe Saung beaches)
- Bangladesh (minimal impact reported)
"If you have bookings in areas affected by the tidal surges, please contact your local travel agent for the latest news."
PATA sent Stephen Yong to Phuket to assess the impact on PATA members in southern Thailand. Mr Yong will draw up a priority list of assistance required by PATA members.
PATA is monitoring the situation in other impacted tourism destinations.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is an authority on Asia Pacific travel and tourism. PATA provides leadership and advocacy to the collective efforts of nearly 100 government, state and city tourism bodies, more than 55 airlines and cruise lines, and hundreds of travel industry companies.