Hotels, Operators Begin To See Booking Cancellations

[nickh]

Tue Sep 2, 2008

Hotels, operators begin to see booking cancellations

CHATRUDEE THEPARAT & SOMPORN THAPANACHAI

Thailand's tourism industry is starting to feel the pinch of political unrest, as tourists from South Korea, Australia, Japan, Canada and the United Kingdom are expected to turn to Bali, Vietnam and the Maldives. At least five nations have issued warnings about travelling to Thailand following protests in Bangkok and the forced closures of airports in Phuket, Krabi and Hat Yai last week, according to the Tourism Crisis Management Centre, which comprises representatives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and private organisations.

Apichart Sankary, the president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, yesterday repeated his call for the government and the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) to settle their differences as soon as possible before the one-trillion-baht tourism industry is damaged further.

''I want to send this message to the PAD protesters, especially those in southern provinces, that closing airports will affect not only businesses in the provinces but also others, as the industry involves many sectors including the agricultural and food sectors,'' he said.According to Mr Apichart, the protests have already scared away Asians who are more sensitive than Westerners about security issues.

They could hurt the European market as well if the protests continue to the middle of this month.He said the Thai tourism industry was likely to lose revenue during the five-month high season (October to February) if the protests were prolonged. Normally, the country receives 1.5 million to two million visitors a month during the high season, generating income of more than 100 billion baht.

Prakit Shinamornpong, the president of the Thai Hotels Association, said he was particularly concerned about the impact on senior citizens from the United Kingdom.Maiyarat Pheerayakoses, president of the Association of Domestic Travel (ADT), added the closures of airports and railways were unjustified and would damage the country's image.

Larry Cunningham, the developer of Chava Resort on Surin Beach, said the airport closures had already hurt the tourism industry on Phuket. His recently opened hotel, which was gearing up for its first high season, has already received cancellations for some of its 45 high-end apartments. Chava Resort had invested in promotion and staff training during the low season and now the employees cannot expect much from service charges.

''They are very sad. In the end, the biggest loser is Thailand as other surrounding countries like Malaysia and Cambodia have strengthened their tourism industries,'' Mr Cunningham said. The operators of other five-star hotels also told him about their booking cancellations. ''If there is another airport closure, you can forget about tourism for the next 12 months. When we were hit by natural disasters, tourists said they would come back again to help Phuket people. But with this man-made disaster, they will not return,'' he said.

[NBT TV Phuket]

MiniVDO: The immediate effect from protests and previous airport blockade is felt in Phuket, with some Japanese travelers reported to have cancelled their bookings.

MiniVDO on http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/prev...php?news_id=602

Phuket Tourist Association president Sombun Jirayus said the anti-government protest, which started in Bangkok and spread into regional provinces, has now had an immediate impact on the Japanese travelers as 50% have cancelled their advanced bookings. This is due to the safety confidence. The situation in Phuket yesterday was less tense for the tourism sector as the protestors agreed to gather at the Provincial Hall instead of the airport as they have no intention to disturb tourists, so the air traffic from Phuket was in good flow. The Manager for ticketing of a local travel agent, Sweet Land, Khun Yaowanart told Andaman News that some of their clients called to postpone or cancel their tickets or bookings, saying that they do not want to travel in uncertain circumstances. The company facilitates the passengers for their most convenience.

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MiniVDO: A Phuket senator is concerned about tourist resort’s image after the airport and continued protests.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/prev...php?news_id=601

Mr. Phumisak Hongsyok, an appointed Phuket senate member from the private sector, voiced his concerns on the protests which have now occurred in all regions. He pointed out the 2 day closures of Phuket International airport in particular saying that it adversely damaged the resort island’s tourism image. Phuket Airport is international and is Thailand’s second most significant after the major Suvannaphum airport in Bangkok. The senator revealed that after discussions with the Phuket Tourist Association, The Thai Hotel Association Southern Chapter, the Phuket Chamber of Commerce and the Industrial Council they mapped out measures to ease the impact, and the private organizations would issue a statement calling for a rapid solution to the conflict. If the conflict continues without concise solution, the long term impact would be felt.

[NBT TV Phuket]

MiniVDO: Seven private organizations in Phuket call for government to use parliamentary process to overcome violence as well as launch special packages to recall tourists back to the region

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/prev...php?news_id=610

<p> Following the international airport block last week, cancellations are now seen in tourist bookings for Phuket. Yesterday afternoon 7 private organizations made an agreement and announced their MOU for their cooperation. They stated that as many countries have issued travel (caution) warnings for their respective citizens about traveling to Thailand and Phuket. Despite the normal operation of airports, travel agents & facilities, safety is a very sensitive issue, especially among Japanese markets. All 7 organizations called for government to use legislative process to overcome the problems. They also agreed to carry out a recovery program.

The Phuket Tourist Association vice president on marketing Bhuris Maswongsa said the organizations came up with special packages during October to November to restore tourist confidence leading to their return to the region. He said the measures also sending a signal to travelers that Phuket is back in full stream operation and ready to offer them happy holidays as always. They include many interesting packages as Bhuris explained more:

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MiniVDO: Krabi tourism sector estimate around 100 million baht was lost during 2-3 days of protests with concerns for bookings for this up coming high season.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/prev...php?news_id=611

<p> The Krabi Tourist Association president, Amarit SiripornJuthakul estimated about 100 million baht was lost following the 3 day protests and shut down of Krabi airport with aftermath impacts. This also covers consumption and related businesses he said. Mr. Amarit emphasized that during the time, the Krabi operators took good care of their guests and the association requested their members to offer two complementary nights with breakfast to delayed guests, free transportation and provided or suggested alternative options for their travel schedules or plans for tourists, with the most conveniences that they can offer. After the protests the tourism sector met and gathered data which indicated cancellation of bookings for this high season from Scandinavia and Europe. The businesses were also concerned about the tourist decisions this month of September and October when tourists start to make their booking plans, as protests would affect their decision to choose a holiday destination. The Krabi Tourist Association requested that the conflicts or protests must be stopped soon before the region’s image is more adversely damaged.

Andaman News NBT (VHF dial) + FM90.5 Radio Thailand at 8.30am & perhaps repeats on Phuket Cable TV channel 1, broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces, & possibly FM108 Mazz Radio 7.30pm in Phuket, Thursday 4 September 2008 & http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/ Send comments to [email protected]

[george]

China slaps ban on Thailand tours

BANGKOK: -- The impact of the state of emergency on Thailand’s tourism appears mixed although evidence grows of a looming slowdown.

While PATA leaders scrambled to put the best possible slant on the political troubles in Bangkok and elsewhere, The Nation newspaper reported that tourists are checking out of their hotels or cancelling bookings, while meetings and exhibitions are being postponed, leading operators to believe

Thailand will miss this year's tourism revenue targets.

Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) chairman Kongkrit Hiranyakit said the worsening political unrest would cause damage of between eight to 10 per cent of targeted revenue."

Kongkrit said 40 per cent of the industry's revenue was usually generated in October and November.

Following the declaration of the state of emergency, Association of Thai Travel Agents president Apichart Sankary said many tourists would head to other destinations.

Individual Japanese tourists and South Korean honeymooners were already cancelling their plans, and the Chinese are expected to follow suit.

Thai Hotels Association president Prakit Chinamourpong said tourists were checking out from Phuket hotels out of fear the airport would be seized again, like last Friday.

China National Tourism Authority has banned tour operators from organising group tours to Thailand, in a statement issued yesterday.

At the same time, CNTA also recommended that Chinese people travelling independently avoid visiting Thailand,

According to Travel Trade ReportTourism Authority of Thailand’s Tokyo Office estimates the Japanese market to Thailand will drop 5% in the wake of protests and violence in Bangkok earlier this week.

PATA member Asian Trails has received cancellations, and has implemented contingencies for clients affected by the temporary disruption of domestic rail and air services.

Asian Trails' boss Luzi Matzig said, "We hope that by end of this week things will return to normal in which case damage will be limited to maybe 10% of September arrivals, 5% of October arrivals."

Indochina Services Travel Group's bookings and client itineraries have yet to be affected by events.

"As long as the demonstrations remain non-violent and localised to a small area we feel the impact will be minimal, even if it is not resolved for a few weeks," said CEO Gregory Duffell.

Both Duffell and Matzig agree that the biggest challenge for the Thai travel and tourism industry will be restoring the reputation of the destination in the wake of media coverage and travel advisories.

-- travelmole.com 2008-09-04

[NBT TV Phuket]

MiniVDO: Interview Tourism & Sports Minister Weerasak Kosurat & meeting at Phuket Airport

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/prev...php?news_id=656

or

Our reporter talked to Tourism & Sports Minister Weerasak Kosurat who gave support for tourism recovery by roadshows, invites to foreign ambassadors & media; plus plans for the airport expansion. (Airport statistics show: August flights down 28%, passengers down 14%, 12 months up 7 & 10.6%) He also agreed the State of Emergency in Bangkok since 3 September should be lifted and the new Prime Minister be chosen tomorrow. He also mentions the new international convention centre planned for Thachatchai in north Phuket or Ao Phuket Bay, Let’s let him explain more now: ……. Contact: www.mots.go.th Tel 02 283 1500 fax 02 356 0746

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MiniVDO: Tourism Minister met tourism sector leaders in Andaman for recovery packages.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/prev...php?news_id=657

or

After a meeting to draw up their proposed plan for the tourism recovery, the public and private sector from 3 Andaman provinces of Phuket Phang-Nga and Krabi yesterday met with the Tourism and Sports Minister Veerasak Kowsurat. The minister came down from Bangkok and held a meeting with them at the Phuket International airport yesterday afternoon. He listened to the local representatives’ concerns and proposals, some of which seek government support. The local participants included the Governor, senators, Thai Hotel Association southern chapter, tourism association members and the airport General Manager. The private sector proposed measures for recovery packages and security which included TAT doing more PR or campaigns through major foreign media to get the actual facts out, inviting ambassadors (including New Zealand ambassador who was present at meeting) to visit as well as inviting foreign press down to the region. They said the important one is the lifting of the State of Emergency.

Andaman News NBT (VHF dial) + FM90.5 Radio Thailand at 8.30am & perhaps repeats on Phuket Cable TV channel 1, broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces, Thursday 11 September 2008 & http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/ Send comments to [email protected]

[NBT TV Phuket]

MiniVDO: special on Phuket Airport's expansion plans

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/prev...php?news_id=664

During the Tourism Minister’s visit to Phuket and meeting with local tourism sector leaders on Wednesday, he not only listened to their proposals for tourism recovery programs and requests, but was also briefed on the Phuket Airport’s expansion plan. Our reporter captured the details for you:

The 5 year development plan, with perspective detailed designs, was presented to the meeting of tourism leaders in the Andaman region of Phuket, Phang-Nga and Krabi, chaired by the Thai Tourism and Sports Minister Veerasak Kowsurat. The plan was prepared by the Airport of Thailand or AOT Company in support of tourism for Phuket and its nearby provinces as the local resorts & residences are attracting more and more international & domestic travelers. The present facility is reported to be able to handle around 6 million passengers per year.

The Phuket International Airport General Manager Wicha Nernlop revealed to us the latest statistics or numbers for the past 12 months from September 2007 to August 2008 which still showed increases, compared to the previous 12 months, of flights up 7% at 37,910 & and passengers up 10.6% at 5.65 million, hence the long term need for the planned expansion.

Mr. Wicha pointed out that the airport only has 1,300 rai of land or 520 acres. This is a very limited area to develop, it’s very costly for the company to expand and that it needs to make the best use of the existing space. The AOT however has already drawn up designs under its 5 year development plan with an estimated budget of 5 billion baht. The plan has been announced publicly as the Phuket Airport GM explained to us: The plan will be carried out in steps with the completion expected in 2012. He said after the expansion it would increase capacity to 12.5 million passengers per year until 2017. Wicha also stated that the expansion is comprehensive with many facilities covered to cater for both more aircraft traffic and passengers. He also insists that the budget should not be a problem. The Tourism and Sports Minister said he fully supports the airport expansion plan for Phuket as it is one of Thailand’s top destinations for holiday makers.

However in the short term due to rising oil prices as well as the recent protests & blockades, the month of August 2008 compared to 2007 showed flights were down 28% at 2,435 and passengers were down 14% at 420,474. Therefore khun Wicha told us they are discussing this very day today Friday in Bangkok about incentives to bring more flights back during this low season like reducing landing and parking fees, similar to the Department of Civil Aviation is reportedly doing for other provincial airports including Krabi.

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MiniVDO: The Thai Tourism Association president stressed two clear messages to send out before more tourists return.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/prev...php?news_id=667

<p> Any promotion or recovery packages will not work unless two main messages are clearly sent out for potential markets. Appichart Sangka-Aree, the president of the Thai Tourism Association stressed at the meeting chaired by the Tourism Minister on Wednesday at Phuket airport, that while many plans are proposed to draw tourists back to southern Thailand including overseas road shows and PR to foreign media, Apichart strongly suggested that the packages and promotion would not work well unless the State of Emergency is lifted and that there should be no more airport closures in future, as these two factors are the most worrying issues for tourists. On the local operators’ side they said they would come up with local promotions after the central government conducts road shows and marketing campaigns for overseas and domestic markets. Right after the meeting, the minister informed and proposed to the cabinet the lifting of the State of Emergency in Bangkok.

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MiniVDO: The inaugural direct flight of Hong Kong Express Airlines arrived in Phuket.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/prev...php?news_id=668

<p> On Wednesday afternoon the inaugural flight of Hong Kong Express Airline arrived at Phuket International airport with over 41 passengers. The passengers were welcomed by airport manager and Tourism Authority of Thailand officials. The airline is scheduled to fly the direct route Hong Kong – Phuket twice a week on Wednesday and Sunday from this month until December this year. The protest at the airport had resulted in cancellations of two airlines, China Airlines during 1 – 7th September and Sky Star which cancelled its Phuket–Korea route for the whole month of September due to tour program cancellations.

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MiniVDO: The Phuket Airport ran an emergency evacuation exercise called PEMEX.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/prev...php?news_id=670

<p> Airport and airline staff yesterday afternoon took part in Phuket Airport’s mini scale Tsunami evacuation drill under the Airport of Thailand’s Emergency Plan Exercise called PEMEX 2008. The exercise simulated an 8.5 Richter scale earthquake causing a Tsunami west of Sumartra Island with possible Tsunami effects to the island of Phuket. The Air Traffic Control was notified and reported to the airport security centre to announce a warning. Then the evacuation of passengers to safe ground began. Thai Airways Catering Company which is 1.4 kilometres away was designated as a safe evacuation shelter. The airport fire crew and police escorted them. After the exercise, Mr Narong Jun-Se-Wok, the airport Security Director, said he was pleased with the drill as staff proved to be efficient in assisting people and took them to safe ground within 20 minutes. The airport General Manager Wicha Nernlop said the exercise not only tested out the emergency plan which covered both tools, equipment and enhances skills of related personnel who have to take care and direct the passengers to safe ground, but also assure passengers and tourists of the safety measures.

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Andaman News NBT (VHF dial) + FM90.5 Radio Thailand at 8.30am & perhaps relays/repeats on local Cable TV channel 1, broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces, Friday 12th September 2008 & http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/ Contact [email protected]

Edited September 12, 2008 by NBT TV Phuket

[NBT TV Phuket]

MiniVDO: Phuket tourism sector welcome the lifting of the State of Emergency in Bangkok

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/prev...php?news_id=675

After the State of Emergency Decree for Bangkok was lifted by the caretaker government yesterday morning, Phuket Tourist Association president Somboon Jirayus said he very much welcomed the move. He stressed that local businesses have been calling for the lift and now it’s the first sign or step and a chance to explain to foreign markets that the country is getting back to normal. Mr. Somboon also said after this the Tourism Authority of Thailand would send messages overseas, especially to 23 countries which issued travel advises to their citizen to be cautious about their travel plans to Thailand. He said October 1st will be the Chinese National Day when Chinese have a vacation, and that the relaxation sign is hoped to attract more Chinese tourists and restore their confidence in Thailand.

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MiniVDO: People in Phuket closely follow the Prime Minister selection procedure with some voicing their support for a national government.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/prev...php?news_id=676

Since Friday people in Phuket have been closely following the news about the nominee to be picked as Prime Minister. Some members of the public said they wanted a prime minister who compromises & can work with any parties as the nation needs to be resettled in a peaceful way. Some said they support the idea for a ‘National Government’. As for the fact that the People’s Alliance for Democracy or PAD protestors do not seem to agree with prime minister candidates who are still nominees of the ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawatra, the Phuket Tourist Association President Somboon Jirayus said both parties should step back one step each, to find a compromise way for the national benefit. Metee Tanmanatrakul, President of the Thai Hotel Association, Southern Chapter, declined to give comment on the next prime minister saying that it’s the duty of political parties and the House of Parliament to come up with the best solution for the country and to put a stop to the conflict going on.

Andaman News NBT (VHF dial) + FM90.5 Radio Thailand at 8.30am & perhaps repeats on Phuket Cable TV channel 1, broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces, Monday 15 September 2008 & http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/ Send comments to [email protected] .

[NBT TV Phuket]

VDO: Interview Tourism & Sports Minister, on visit to Phuket & Andaman with diplomats

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/prev...php?news_id=740

Our interview is with Weerasak Kosurat, the Thai Tourism & Sports Minister, who led Ambassadors & diplomats from 4 countries to visit Phuket including the Vegetarian Festival, plus Phang Nga & Krabi, aiming to show them normal tourism situations & try to persuade them to relax travel warnings. He also supports trying to increase direct flights to Phuket & Krabi airports & encourages tourists not to worry about protests. But first he tells us about his trip: ……. Contact:: www.mots.go.th Tel 02 283 1500 fax 02 356 0746

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Interview Singapore & Italian Ambassadors to Thailand

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/prev...s_headline=VDO: Interviews Singaporean & Italian Ambassadors to Thailand, at Phuket Vegetarian Festival

<p> We talked to H.E. Mr. Peter Chan Jer Hing, Singaporean Ambassador to Thailand, who visited the Vegetarian Festival at Bangneow Shrine, Saphan Hin, Phuket City with the Thai Tourism Minister. 73,917 S’pore tourists were in Phuket 2007 down 25%. He tells us his first impressions at the shrine:

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<p> We also talked to H.E. Mr. Ignazio Di Pace, Italian Ambassador to Thailand, who also visited Bangneow Shrine, with the Tourism Minister. 61,173 Italian tourists were in Phuket 2007 up 9%. He tells us his views on this visit:

……..

Contact: www.mfa.gov.sg/bangkok/

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Contact:

http://www.italian-embassy.org.ae/Ambasciata_Bangkok

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Interviews for Andaman News NBT (VHF dial) + Radio Thailand FM90.5 at 8.30am & perhaps repeats on Phuket Cable TV channel 1 at 7pm & 1am, broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces & maybe Mazz Radio FM108 at 7pm in Phuket, Friday 3 October 2008 & http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/ & www.YouTube.com/AndamanNews.com Send comments to [email protected]