Appeal to tourists to visit SE Asia

TSUNAMI-wracked south east Asia appealed to would-be helpers today: take a holiday.

"If you have not planned a visit, please consider booking a trip. If you wish to make a difference, visit," the president of the Bangkok-based Pacific Asia Travel Association, Peter de Jong, said in an appeal to travellers.

Images of the killer waves crashing into Asian beach resorts have frightened away many of the tourists that those areas rely upon so heavily for income.