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Source: The Nation
The tourism industry is praying for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to lead an urgent roadshow across the globe to woo back tourists, as some Bangkok hotels are running only 30 per cent full after the political uprising.
“The damage is beyond calculation, following the unrest in Pattaya and Bangkok,” Apichart Sankary, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), said yesterday.
Confidence-restoring campaigns are critical, as tourists are gravely concerned about their safety, he said.
Thailand’s image must be repaired before the arrival of the high season in October, or more bookings may be dropped later on this year.
The Federation of Thai Tourism Associations, or FETTA – an umbrella group for the ATTA, Thai Hotels Association (THA), Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), Association of Domestic Travel (ADT), Thai Eco-tourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA), Thai Transport Operators Association (TOA), Thai-Japan Tourist Association (TJTA) and Thai-Chinese Tourist Association (TCTA) – is scheduled to evaluate the tourism crisis today.
Prakit Shinamornpong, president of THA, showed concern that political extremism could re-surface and further sabotage the industry.
“About three to four groups of Japanese tourists have already postponed trips during April and May. Some meetings in May were also cancelled,” he said.
Chanin Donavanik, CEO of Dusit International, one of the country’s largest hotel chains, said it was outrageous that the entire industry was being destroyed by a group of protesters.
Many travellers are considering going to other destinations such as Vietnam and Indonesia, he said.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand is advising tourists around the world to consult with the nearest Thai embassy for the latest update before making holiday plans.
The average hotel occupancy rate in Bangkok during the Songkran festival was reported at only 20-30 per cent, even lower than the 50 per cent witnessed during the normal low season.
Last quarter, due to the Suvarnabhumi Airport shutdown, hotel revenue dropped 30 per cent on year.
This exacerbates the predicament facing the industry, which is already suffering from the global economic downturn.
According to a study by Oxford University in England and the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad, carried out before the renewed rallies against the government by the red-shirted protesters last week, Thailand was likely to see 11.7 million fewer international tourist arrivals for 2007-2010, resulting in a Bt47.3 billion shortfall in tourism revenue.
Thai tourism industry asks for global campaigns
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