Thailand Looking Forward To

[peter991]

Thailand looking forward to exceptionally good peak season: Minister

This year, a whole host of airlines, such as British Airways and Etihad, have gotten on board to help convey the many extra passengers that the tourism industry is expecting in this Thailand peak season, states Thai Tourism Minister.

Suwit Yodmanee, Thailand Minister for Tourism and Sport, has revealed some of his findings from a recent tourism summit of tourism related agencies, and has welcomed the slew of airlines who have announced extra services to handle the large amount of travellers getting ready to head to Thailand.

“British Airways will increase around 10-14 flights per week, while Jet Airways will have seven more short distance flights. Etihad Airways and Hong Kong Express [also] plan to have more flights to serve passengers who want to visit Thailand,” said Dr Suwit.

Altogether, Dr Suwit announced that 20 international airlines were interested in introducing peak services from the end of 2007 to mid 2008.

He also admitted that whilst he, and the government, had hoped that national flag carrier, THAI would be able to increase flights, the already strained fleet may not have the craft to handle extra services.

One of the key issues of the summit was what to do with the high demand for seats on board flights to Thailand, especially from the key markets of the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and Europe.

The summit, held in Bangkok, was attended by some 100 representatives from Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Transport, Immigration Bureau, airlines, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and tourism associations.

Another issue that arose out of the summit were the long waits at customs and immigration. In response, the government will implement a staff increase at key ports to fight the crowd numbers, with special attention to the ever growing queues at Phuket.

Peter

[torrenova]

Then they had better get the marketing budget upped and start banging the "come to Thailand" drum. Just dreaming it or thinking it will not make the extra people arrive but then they can always fudge the numbers !

[londonthai]

I believe that is true, judging by the extraordinary high airfare to thailand for xmas this year - however if 20 airlines are planning additional flights than the price should drop dramatically.

So far I haven't bought my ticket and maybe it's a good idea to wait till november to snatch some good deals

[midas]

Bangkok is a hub !

Just because there are extra flights it doesnt always mean

these tourists are staying here for long

Maybe they will be enroute to neighbouring countries

that dont have many direct international flights

e.g. Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar even Vietnam