Tourists shun tsunami-hit region

Tourists are staying away from tsunami-hit regions in their droves more than seven months after the disaster, the Pacific Asia Travel Association has said.

Figures published by Visa International Asia Pacific and PATA show arrivals to the Thai resort of Phuket are down more than 40% with spending down 30%. International arrivals to the Maldives meanwhile have fallen 46%.

Only Sri Lanka is showing a positive performance with year-on-year spending growth hovering around 10% and arrivals also on the upswing.

PATA president and chief executive Peter de Jong said it was time for travellers and the industry to rally behind the destinations.

“It is understandable that some travellers, particularly from Chinese cultures, may have some concerns about travelling to destinations where many lives have been lost,” he said.

“But we cannot help these communities get back on their feet by staying away. The best thing we can do is continue to inform tourists that it is appropriate and supportive to visit and that they will have a great holiday experience.”

He urged airlines to ensure there was sufficient capacity and attractive prices to encourage tourists to return.

Report by Steve Jones