WAKE OF THE TSUNAMI: FEARS are growing that the efforts to help tsunami hit countries are being undermined by holiday makers. Andy Payne, regional manager of Travelcare at Co-op in Newport Street, claims a number of people have already cancelled summer trips to countries in Asia.

And with many of the destinations relying on tourism for a living their chances of recovering from the disaster will be effected, he has warned.

Mr Payne 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 fund-raisers to help support these countries will be undermined if holidaymakers stay away from unaffected resorts.

"People are still booking holidays so from a business point of view it's not an issue for us but we do feel people would be concerned to know that it will make it harder for countries to recover.

"Charity donations are not enough, in the long term, to replace the potential lost income from UK tourists."

In spite of the devastation to many resorts and the loss of lives, popular resorts such as Cha Am, Hua Hin and Koh Samui in Thailand and resorts within The Maldives are unaffected and now represent a vital source of income for the countries as they begin the process of rebuilding.

Mr Payne said: "So far the immediate reaction of consumers hasn't been to cancel travel plans but simply to select an alternative destination.

"If this trend continues it will have serious implications for the economies of countries facing an already tough task."

George Norcliffe, owner of Swindon Travel, in Havelock Street, which is currently running limited trips to parts of Thailand, Sri Lanka and the Maldives and chairman of the south west branch of the Association of British Travel Agents, agreed that the aid effort could be undermined.

He said: "It's vital that the public travel back to the area as soon as it is feasible.

"We can put as much aid in as possible but the whole thing is totally dependent on tourism.

"We should be there for them, not just in the short term with aid but in the future for the safety of their economies."

Faith Wootton of Thomas Cook, Faith Wootton, said that the company had experienced a number of cancellations to countries hit by the disaster.

The travel agents currently has no flights going to Sri Lanka but is flying to a number of unaffected destinations in the Maldives.

She said: "It is important that people get out there again.

"Obviously it's up to the individual but in the long run it's important that people start travelling back to give their economies the support they need."

Debbie Donkin and Pip Reeves of Old Town survived the tsunami, which struck their hotel in Wadduwa, Sri Lanka.

They said it was vital people were not put off holidaying in the area. Debbie, 44, said: "People have to realise they depend on tourism. It's their main income. We have been through it and it's not put us off going back.

"Their problems aren't just for the next few months, they're for years."

Pip, 47, said: "It's great to do a collection and the people here have been fantastic but it's no good raising money if people won't go out there."

How to help

TO donate call the Disasters Emergency Committee on 0870 60 60 900 or visit website www.dec.org.uk

Or you can send cheques, payable to The Sri Lankan High Commission Disaster Fund, to the Evening Advertiser at 100 Victoria Road, Swindon SN1 3BE and we will forward them to the Sri Lankan High Commission, which can be called 0207 2621841. Mark the envelope 'Tsunami Appeal'. To donate supplies take them along to hangar D1 at Wroughton Airfield and to volunteer phone Manolito Chandos on 07708 415362.

To volunteer at an Oxfam shop to help sort the donations call the Regent Street shop in Swindon on 01793 511138 or the Boroughfield Precinct shop in Wootton Bassettt on 01793 850947.

If you are organising an event tell us on 01793 501806.

MORE volunteers and supplies are needed for the Wiltshire Mercy Appeal.

Helpers are busy sorting and packing donations at the Wroughton Airfield hangar.

But more volunteers are needed between 9am and 5pm everyday.

And the following supplies are still urgently required:

New underwear; medical supplies; tinned food; baby food (no glass); bottles, teats and sterilization tablets; dried milk and rice; tents, blankets, sheets, net curtains and tarpaulins; water sanitation tablets; pallets; packing tape; marker pens

For more information 07708 415362.