More than a month after Asia's tsunami disaster, countries in the region are struggling to get back on their feet. But despite a death toll creeping toward 300,000, the message from the Pacific Asia Travel Association is that travelers are not only welcome, but an essential part of rebuilding local economies throughout Southeast Asia.

Once thriving tropical destinations like Thailand's Phuket are suffering from a tremendous slowdown in tourism with perhaps 10% of hotel rooms occupied in a season when they're often fully booked. And, while many resorts, hotels and restaurants are still closed and rebuilding, most have reopened for business and are looking forward to attracting new visitors.

Some important travel advisories remain in effect -- particularly in Sri Lanka, the Maldives and parts of Thailand -- where the heaviest damage to popular tourist attractions occurred. Rebuilding in those areas could take months. But many other vacation spots, like Bali, Java and Lambok were largely unaffected. Travelers are urged to check with their local government or travel agent before visiting areas hardest hit by the disaster.