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The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
has said that search and rescue missions should be the priority for governments of Asian countries affected by
tsunami tidal waves following the undersea earthquake in the Indian Ocean this morning.
Local authorities report that thousands have been killed. Hundreds are still unaccounted for.
PATA has contacted its members in Indian Ocean rim countries to gauge the extent of the humanitarian and physical impact and what is being done to help tourists and
tourism operators.
PATA President and CEO Mr Peter de Jong called on governments in the region to mobilise all necessary resources to find missing
people.
"Authorities need to mobilise all available resources to assist marine police, coastguard and other agencies who are stretched beyond capacity carrying out search,
rescue and clean-up operations."
He added: "We must prepare for the worst as there are many outlying islands, coastal communities and tour operators running sea-based tour programmes who have
not reported the full extent of the impact yet."
The PATA chief executive called for local tourism operators to facilitate communication between tourists and family and friends at home who would be deeply
concerned.
The PATA chief executive also cautioned against "panic travel" to escape the afflicted areas, as such movements could hinder the movement of emergency services and
exacerbate the situation.
Mr de Jong said: "This is a tragedy of major proportions. PATA sends its condolences to everyone who has lost family, friends and property."
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