Until recently, few of us would even have heard the word tsunami. Now we're only too well aware of this thankfully infrequent natural phenomenom.

While the communities concerned strive to reclaim their lost livelihoods, what can we do to help?

First, if you have booked a holiday in the tsunami-affected zone, please don't cancel it. Already the Sri Lankans are - in their oh-so-polite way - appealing to visitors to come in their hour of need.

The regions affected by the tidal waves were small and are already, in some cases, ready to receive visitors again. Over coming weeks sheer economic necessity will drive a massive clean-up and rebuilding operation, funded by world-wide generosity.

The success of this hard work depends on tourists spending in the restaurants, bars, hotels and shops of the many families who rely on income from those numerous establishments. If no-one visits, thousands of people will go hungry, despite the overseas aid.

No tour operator or travel agent will send customers on holiday where safety is in doubt or where visitors might prove a hindrance rather than a help.

The success of each holiday is important, and all AITO specialists will ensure that the timing of visits is right for both communities and visitors.

So, if your holiday company says visit, that's exactly what you should do, happy in the knowledge that your holiday is a lifeline to many hundreds of people. Trade, not aid, is preferable to most people, and tourism is a powerful force for good post-tsunami.

For contact details of AITO's specialist holiday companies, visit www.aito.co.uk #or ring 020 8744 9280.