Tourists Start Making A Comeback To Thailand

[sriracha john]

Got any books on the subject or are shipments still being held up by PAD?

Worst situation in the aviation industry world-wide in 50 years..."

but it's "mostly" due to the airports being closed in Thailand?

yeah... ok, sure.

Edited December 30, 2008 by sriracha john

[Ulysses G.]

Yep, business was down, but not bad at all until the Airport was closed. Figure it out.

[LaoPo]

Yep, business was down, but not bad at all until the Airport was closed. Figure it out.

The OP title is completely off-reality.

It's a promotion statement by RSTA which is nothing more than a group of 9 Bangkok shopping centers trying to lure more shoppers and bring some positivity into the market.

Basically, nothing wrong with that but far off reality.

The report came some 2 weeks after the airports opened again and the statement says: "Tourists start making a come back" How on earth would they know (in 2 weeks) that tourists started to come back....?

Well, the tourists that arrived in Thailand in those weeks, already booked their trips way before the economical crisis started AND before the PAD blockades took place.

The truth is that the situation in tourism wasn't indeed -that- bad, but declining already since September/October, but the PAD actions were the sour cream on top of an already sliding economy and tourist season cake.

And, this cake is not a very nice one.

TV members have the habit of looking at tourism as if Thailand is depending on Farang tourism.....that's incorrect.

More than 60% of Thai inbound tourism comes from South and East Asia and even more if we add Arabic and African countries.

The number of Asian tourists from the most important countries have been dropping since months.

LaoPo

[mrtoad]

Yep, business was down, but not bad at all until the Airport was closed. Figure it out.

The OP title is completely off-reality.

It's a promotion statement by RSTA which is nothing more than a group of 9 Bangkok shopping centers trying to lure more shoppers and bring some positivity into the market.

Basically, nothing wrong with that but far off reality.

The report came some 2 weeks after the airports opened again and the statement says: "Tourists start making a come back" How on earth would they know (in 2 weeks) that tourists started to come back....?

Well, the tourists that arrived in Thailand in those weeks, already booked their trips way before the economical crisis started AND before the PAD blockades took place.

The truth is that the situation in tourism wasn't indeed -that- bad, but declining already since September/October, but the PAD actions were the sour cream on top of an already sliding economy and tourist season cake.

And, this cake is not a very nice one.

TV members have the habit of looking at tourism as if Thailand is depending on Farang tourism.....that's incorrect.

More than 60% of Thai inbound tourism comes from South and East Asia and even more if we add Arabic and African countries.

The number of Asian tourists from the most important countries have been dropping since months.

LaoPo

That is exactly what I have been trying to say, but didn't clarify it enough for the saffron brigade.

I work in this area, through my company, and the picture isn't pretty.

[baht&sold]

The 'OP' was simply a post of a news item, not an agenda. However, some here indisputably do have an agenda to wish doom and gloom on Thailand to vilify narrow and festering political agendas. The majority would like to move on now. The rest are well, just sad and somewhat twisted...

[tartempion]

The 'OP' was simply a post of a news item, not an agenda. However, some here indisputably do have an agenda to wish doom and gloom on Thailand to vilify narrow and festering political agendas. The majority would like to move on now. The rest are well, just sad and somewhat twisted...

Worldwide Doom and Gloom has been predicted by a few and rejected by many on this board as being rubbish.

Greed an mismanagement. As I have always stated "At least 90% of professionals are incompetent" 99% would be more accurate.

Now the political rubbish in this country (yellow, reds and the others) add an other dimension compounding the crisis.

Again, the real culprits are not the Thai people, back to Greed and (mis)Management

[ballpoint]

The financial situation would have only hurt slightly this year because so many people had already paid for their trips and would have gone anyway. The weeks before the airport highjacking were much like any other high season.

However, things would have gone bad in low season.

So, who needs to refresh their memory? It's high season in Australia right now, and they're hurting to the extent that the government is trying to get Aussies to holiday in their own country. This suggests that the high season in Thailand would have been similarly affected with or without the PAD.

[Ulysses G.]

The financial situation would have only hurt slightly this year because so many people had already paid for their trips and would have gone anyway. The weeks before the airport highjacking were much like any other high season.However, things would have gone bad in low season.

So, who needs to refresh their memory? It's high season in Australia right now, and they're hurting to the extent that the government is trying to get Aussies to holiday in their own country. This suggests that the high season in Thailand would have been similarly affected with or without the PAD.

IT WAS SLOWER THAN NORMAL (like Australia), BUT EVERYTHING WAS STILL GOING FAIRLY WELL UNTIL THE AIRPORT WAS CLOSED ONE MONTH AGO !

[Ulysses G.]

Well, the tourists that arrived in Thailand in those weeks, already booked their trips way before the economical crisis started AND before the PAD blockades took place.

The truth is that the situation in tourism wasn't indeed -that- bad, but declining already since September/October, but the PAD actions were the sour cream on top of an already sliding economy and tourist season cake.

And, this cake is not a very nice one.

Read carefully!

[henryalleman]

Wake up call

There is an international financial and economical crisis coming. Next 6 months tourism will hit rock bottom. The plans of TAT to get Asian tourists from Japan, Korea and so on, disregard that the Japanese and Korean export figures are in free fall. China is closing factories every day.

And this is all the fault of the terrorists of PAD.

we aint seen nothing yet

[Ulysses G.]

What is going on now in Thailand is mostly because of the PAD idiots. In the furure it will be mostly caused by the worldwide collapse of the world economy or maybe PAD will pull something else or maybe even the redshirts.

Edited December 31, 2008 by Ulysses G.

[geriatrickid]

Number shown still reporting large falloff in advance bookings, so how is there a comeback?

Apparently there is almost nothing for march-may prepaid/advanced.

[brianw]

Wwe all know the answer. just cut the rates .

[LaoPo]

Wwe all know the answer. just cut the rates .

That doesn't work or just a little.

European airlines are cutting their prices to long distances already with between 10 and 40% because they suffer from empty seats.

The consumer confidence, worldwide, has NEVER been so low since some 50 years, so people aren't -just- interested to go somewhere BECAUSE the prices are lower.

People are scared, afraid for the future and that results in lower tourism and lower spending which is the most dangerous factor for an even further decline in the economy, also in Thailand.

LaoPo

[henryalleman]

Wwe all know the answer. just cut the rates .

That doesn't work or just a little.

European airlines are cutting their prices to long distances already with between 10 and 40% because they suffer from empty seats.

The consumer confidence, worldwide, has NEVER been so low since some 50 years, so people aren't -just- interested to go somewhere BECAUSE the prices are lower.

People are scared, afraid for the future and that results in lower tourism and lower spending which is the most dangerous factor for an even further decline in the economy, also in Thailand.

LaoPo

Correct I paid for a 1 way non-stop ticket Dusseldorf- Bangkok 312 Euro= 15000 Bath include taxes

[LaoPo]

Correct I paid for a 1 way non-stop ticket Dusseldorf- Bangkok 312 Euro= 15000 Bath include taxes

I always say: "no way you can walk for that kind of money....."

Happy New Year !

LaoPo

[aromsia]

Funny how they keep trying to pump things up about Thailand is fine come back and spend your money. Thailand wants you - buy a condo! Buy a house! (you have no right to live here, and we won't let you stay here, but buy, buy, buy .. anyway) What a laughable topic.

Look at the other topics in the news thread - all anti-Thaksin/PPP etc. All rosy, rosy, rosy..Then 75% of the responses are counter to the OP. That then follows with threats of thread 'closure' and 'stop bickering or we'll close this'.

What a dilemma!!

[sriracha john]

IT WAS SLOWER THAN NORMAL, BUT EVERYTHING WAS STILL GOING FAIRLY WELL UNTIL THE AIRPORT WAS CLOSED ONE MONTH AGO !

Posted in a dire effort to benefit Ulysses G's blood pressure... and dour disposition...

Tourism grows in Northern provinces during New year period

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Chiang Mai Office indicates that money circulating in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Lamphun, and Lampang increased by 10 per cent from the forecast of 650 million baht in the New year season.

Director of TAT Chiang Mai Office Chalermsak Suranan said that there are scores of tourists visiting Chiang Mai, Lamphun, and Lampang during New Year due to the long holiday week, cool weather and beautiful flowers in the provinces, as well as oil price drops. *happy days are here again, eh Ulysses?*

Almost all hotels in the provinces are booked with an average number of tourists of 25,000 – 30,000 in Chiang Mai province alone.

The director said the TAT Chiang Mai Office expected that tourists would travel to Chiang Mai until February this year.

The director also invited people to join the “Blooming Tulip Festival" at Doi Pha Daeng in Chai Prakan district in Chiang Mai from January 3rd – 5th. There are other interesting events in the province, including the “Bo Sang Umbrella” Festival, the Plant and Flower Festival, and the Strawberry and Good Products Fair.

- ThaiNews / 2009-01-02

=================================

Can't the Blooming Tulip Festival have a different contextual meaning, especially for our Brit friends?

but irregardless....

Best of seasons to our Northern friends.

Edited January 3, 2009 by sriracha john

[Samuian]

Chaweng is buzzing like every year this time...in fact our hotel has higher occupation figures than last year!

[Ulysses G.]

Yes, many businesses are doing well right now, although there are far more Thais than foreigners. Anything is better than nothing, and I am not complaining!

Edited January 3, 2009 by Ulysses G.

[Rhys]

Wishful thinking... the damage is done... tourists will go ... elsewhere.... Take the head out of the hole..

Edited January 3, 2009 by Rhys

[samuibeachcomber]

Yes, many businesses are doing well right now, although there are far more Thais than foreigners. Anything is better than nothing, and I am not complaining!

good on you,make hay while sunshines,or in the case of Samui while it rains,its certainly nice to see visitors here.I did a recon in chaweng last night and while not packed like in years gone by there were people about,and mostly young single guys,so the bars and the girls should do ok.

[LevelHead]

Its all misinformation.

Many tourists have paid for flights and hotels in advance, and so with this all being pre-paid they are coming as planned.

The real drop off in tourists should be seen from end January onwards, where people who would normally be booking end of year have not made their bookings and going elsewhere.

As everyone is aware, the Christmas and New Year period is busy and must be "pre-booked" therefore you would expect tourist numbers to be the same now as last year given its all "upfront and booked months in advance".

The 20% down figure (likely means 40% to 50%) means some have cancelled. The problem going forward will be the lack of bookings before and after this present "peak time".

One only has to look around the two airports.........you can SEE WITH YOUR OWN EYES that Tourism is down massively.

[johnwills]

Looking at what is happening in the UK, I would expect the number of visitors from the UK to be down substantially this year, unemployment, difficulty getting credit and of course the crappy exchange rate will all deter potential visitors.

The short term outlook for the UK economy really sucks at the moment.

[ThaiEye]

I stayed in the Khao Sarn Road area over the New Year and it was packed out. All the best places for accommodation were full and lots of backpackers had to get well out of the-beaten-track Banglamphu vicinity to find a decent room.

Not one backpacker i spoke to during those 3 days even mentioned the past political situation somehow affecting their trip to LOS. The only thing that came up during some conversations was the latest change in the 15-day visa on arrival.

Backpackers do not pay up front for this and that and if they were really concerned they could have changed/cancelled their travel plans. The airport scenario affecting tourism has been well over-rated.

Edited January 3, 2009 by ThaiEye

[yabaaaa]

Whatever TAT or others like to make us believe. 2009 will be a very bad year for tourism, not only for Thailand. Reason? The worldwide economical crisis. Last week there was an survey in my country

60% are afraid to loose their job next year

29% are thinking that they will loose their job almost certainly

34% would accept a wage cut if they can keep their job or work longer for the same salary.

83% believe that the economic situation will be worse in 2009

The shops have an high overstock, they even announce a very sharp drop of prices during the sales who start 3 of January, starting with -40% and further till -70% in the last 2 weeks.

I think the results in other countries will not be much different.

Does somebody think that non of this people will not change their holiday plans next year, and that there will be no dramatic drop in the tourist industry.

And if, maybe for your own peace of mind keep on believing that the drop of tourism is due the closings for 1 week of some airport is the reason for the downfall of tourism in Thailand keep on doing so.

But the world is in an economical crisis who just started, prepare yourself for his effects on tourism in Thailand. The figures will drop dramatically.

Yeah but where was the question...... how many of you will take a foreign holiday next year??

Ask most people in the UK and its probably one of the last things they will give up!!

[OZEMADE]

Tourists start making a comeback to Thailand

Foreign shoppers still down by 10-20%; hotel occupancy climbs back

BANGKOK: -- The Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association has noticed foreign tourists trickling back to the posh shopping district after dropping more than 40 per cent during the airport closures.

"However the number of foreign visitors is still down by 10 to 20 per cent compared to the normal situation," RSTA president Chai Srivikorn said yesterday.

Foreign tourists account for 30-40 per cent of all shoppers in the Ratchaprasong shopping area.

"We have seen an increase in foreign guests at many hotels in the Ratchaprasong area with average occupancy climbing from only 20 per cent during the unrest to nearly 40 per cent today," Chai said.

"The Oriental Hotel Bangkok for example is showing a pick-up in the number of foreign individual tourists of 40-50 per cent so far," he said.

Formed in 2003, RSTA now groups nine members - Amarin Plaza, CentralWorld, Erawan Bangkok, Gaysorn, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, Holiday Inn Bangkok, Intercontinental Bangkok, Maneeya Centre and President Tower Arcade.

The economic environment next year would still not be good, in terms of a tourism downturn and unemployment, he said.

"I however don't think the tourism industry will get worse as expected by many others," he said.

"There are many foreign travellers who would like to come to Thailand and are not bothered by economic factors. What they are worrying about is political instability and security matters. However, it will take a certain period of time to bring back the confidence of group tours, particularly from Asian countries, which have been down during the political turmoil and the shutdown of airports," he said.

The recession would impact middle-market shoppers, who are the most sensitive to high unemployment and declining purchasing power.

"We still see great purchasing power from high-end shoppers who still have cash in their pockets. However, it depends on their confidence and shopping mood," he said.

RSTA would emphasise comprehensive security control by enhancing its procedures, personnel standards and technology in the shopping district. It is stressing its willingness to coordinate with authorities to ensure the safety of all visitors and tourists during the festive season and beyond, particularly during the New Year Countdown, which expected to attract more than 500,000 revellers to the Ratchaprasong area.

RSTA kicked off the first phase of the security system development project on Rajadamri, Ploenchit and Rama I roads in July 2007 with more than Bt20 million invested in the system, including 64 security cameras covering the skywalk and footpaths throughout the district. A control centre was opened in November 2007.

RSTA has focused on three security elements in the second phase of the security enhancement programme, comprising procedure, people and technology.

"RSTA is the first and only private sector organisation to formally respond to the government's policy of increasing public security and safety in Bangkok. Our continuing efforts are intended to ensure the comfort and safety of all visitors to the district and to position Ratchaprasong as a leading regional shopping destination."

-- The Nation 2008-12-25

Related link:

Hotels in Thailand: http://hotel.thaivisa.com

Looks good over Christmas New Year period, wait for mid January it will crash and a lot more bad times to come with the UDD protests about to start. "Bangkok Post". Economists predicts a worst crash than in 1997.

[cmsally]

The rise in tourism in the North has been mostly due to the number of Thai tourists.

Pai (especially) and Mae Hong Son have been packed out. Not even possible to find a camping space in Pai over New year and not enough fuel for people to refill their vehicles.

Non Thai tourists have been much less than usual.

Advance bookings for after Chi. New year are not exactly looking rosy!

[baht&sold]

Holidays next year will be cheaper and shorter

Belfast Telegraph 30 December 2008

Travellers are planning cheaper and shorter holidays in 2009, it was revealed today.

But despite the economic gloom, the average number of holidays likely to be taken is set to increase from 1.5 in 2008, to 1.8 next year, a survey by travelsupermarket.com found.

As many as 18% of the 2,037 people polled said they would be looking for cheaper holidays, while 11% planned just the one short break.

But 28% said they would not be making any changes to their annual leave.

The survey also showed that an increasing number of people planned to take short holidays in Britain, while other popular spots included Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia, Thailand and Iceland.

Bob Atkinson, of travelsupermarket.com, said: “Holidays are seen by many as a necessity rather than luxury, so it’s not surprising that people are still planning to go away. However, the type of holidays people will take and the destinations they will visit over the coming year are changing quite dramatically.

“There is a growing trend for short breaks in the UK, with short haul European breaks destined to be the main casualty of the current economic climate,” he said.

“With the current weakness of the pound against several key currencies, consumers will be paying a lot more attention to what’s going on with exchange rates while planning their holidays.

“For one example, with the strength of the euro, destinations outside the eurozone are seeing huge growth.

Whilst a few are seemingly 'wishing for' devastating tourism for Thailand, the rest of us are hoping for at least a salvaged tourism season and there are emerging reasons to believe it's just possible...

There are signs Thailand will fare better than most and this is promising amongst all the bleakness offered. For one example, the effect of the Euro almost matching the pound now will send more our way from the UK whom may have opted for Euro-zone holidays previously (unfortunately, this is very hard on Brit expat retirees here and many here suffering from other currency slides).

For another example, with places like Australia and others stating the worst tourist figures in many years, Thailand appears to be hanging in there comparatively.

Finally, with the majority stating they won't be making any changes to their annual leave, this may prove the predictable reality - people NEED a break (especially in these trying times) even if shorter in duration or expense, they're still planning a vacation. And it's been proven time and again despite all kinds of natural and man-made disasters this is Amazing Thailand and long may she remain so (preferably with open airports thank you).

Sorry for 'some' nay-sayers whom have an obvious vengeful political agenda behind every post, perhaps seek to politicise elsewhere. For some, your 'hoped for' (?) devastating tourism year for Thailand is a sad/warped choice of agenda/retribution on many levels for your 'cause'.

Here's hoping for perhaps even a par season which could keep many employed and moreover, here's hoping for at least a chance at a 'fresh' start for Thailand in 2009 - in every way.

Edited January 3, 2009 by baht&sold

[LaoPo]

Holidays next year will be cheaper and shorter

Belfast Telegraph 30 December 2008

Travellers are planning cheaper and shorter holidays in 2009, it was revealed today.

But despite the economic gloom, the average number of holidays likely to be taken is set to increase from 1.5 in 2008, to 1.8 next year, a survey by travelsupermarket.com found.

As many as 18% of the 2,037 people polled said they would be looking for cheaper holidays, while 11% planned just the one short break.

But 28% said they would not be making any changes to their annual leave.

The survey also showed that an increasing number of people planned to take short holidays in Britain, while other popular spots included Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia, Thailand and Iceland.

Bob Atkinson, of travelsupermarket.com, said: “Holidays are seen by many as a necessity rather than luxury, so it’s not surprising that people are still planning to go away. However, the type of holidays people will take and the destinations they will visit over the coming year are changing quite dramatically.

“There is a growing trend for short breaks in the UK, with short haul European breaks destined to be the main casualty of the current economic climate,” he said.

“With the current weakness of the pound against several key currencies, consumers will be paying a lot more attention to what’s going on with exchange rates while planning their holidays.

“For one example, with the strength of the euro, destinations outside the eurozone are seeing huge growth.

Whilst a few are seemingly 'wishing for' devastating tourism for Thailand, the rest of us are hoping for at least a salvaged tourism season and there are emerging reasons to believe it's just possible...

There are signs Thailand will fare better than most and this is promising amongst all the bleakness offered. For one example, the effect of the Euro almost matching the pound now will send more our way from the UK whom may have opted for Euro-zone holidays previously (unfortunately, this is very hard on Brit expat retirees here and many here suffering from other currency slides).

For another example, with places like Australia and others stating the worst tourist figures in many years, Thailand appears to be hanging in there comparatively.

Finally, with the majority stating they won't be making any changes to their annual leave, this may prove the predictable reality - people NEED a break (especially in these trying times) even if shorter in duration or expense, they're still planning a vacation. And it's been proven time and again despite all kinds of natural and man-made disasters this is Amazing Thailand and long may she remain so (preferably with open airports thank you).

Sorry for 'some' nay-sayers whom have an obvious vengeful political agenda behind every post, perhaps seek to politicise elsewhere. For some, your 'hoped for' (?) devastating tourism year for Thailand is a sad/warped choice of agenda/retribution on many levels for your 'cause'.

Here's hoping for perhaps even a par season which could keep many employed and moreover, here's hoping for at least a chance at a 'fresh' start for Thailand in 2009 - in every way.

For good order, this is the link you were quoting from:

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/lifestyl...r-14122884.html

1. A survey amongst some 2.000 people in Belfast area (276.000 population and 800,000 regional area with 1,7 million in Northern Ireland) can hardly be seen as a lead for truth for the entire tourist market in the UK. It is understandable that the quoted Mr. Atkinson is trying to push tourism in his area a bit since it's his daily bread and there's also nothing wrong with that.

But to claim (by Mr. Atkinson) that the average "holiday number of holidays likely to be taken is set to increase from 1.5 in 2008, to 1.8 next year" is clear BS because that would mean an increase of tourism in 2009 with +20%. What a crap.

The reality is different though and I suggest to study and read a bit about the devastating situation the UK and Europe are in at the moment not even to mention the US/OZ/NZ. Airlines are offering 10-40% discounts for long distance flights from Europe because they're flying with too many empty seats in the remaining flights they're still operating (many have been canceled because of lack of travelers, not only tourists but business- and family travelers as well !).

2. Even the TAT, most notorious known for their slow publications of statistics (they are not responsible and/or publishing those anymore, btw), are NOW publishing/telling, 3 days into the new year that they KNOW that money circulation in 3 Northern Provinces is UP by 10% for the new year season...isn't that AMAZING ? ...3 days into the new year and they already KNOW that ? Unbelievable.

3. Your claim that "the majority stating they won't be making any changes to their annual leave" is a bit overdone, isn't it, when 28% said so ?

I hope, with you, that 2009 will show an on par tourist season with 2008, which will be down versus 2007, most likely, but it is not realistic.

You are making the same mistake as many other members and that is that you focus Thai inbound tourism to the West.

The reality is that Thai tourism is much more depending on South- and East Asia, with more than 60% of total tourism and the declining inbound tourist numbers from the major countries are devastating.

European tourism to Thailand is responsible for 25,5% and the UK has it's share with 5.16% (of total) or 746.000 tourist in 2007.

In 2008 UK inbound tourism via Suvarnabhumi was declining with -15.14% in the third Q; in the 2nd Q about equal (155.000) whilst the 1st Q still showed a growth of +16,77% (209.000 versus 179.000 in 2007).

All in all not promising for the 4th Q/2008 and the entire year of 2009.

If some members REALLY want to comment on Thai tourism, I suggest they do a bit of study first about real numbers and facts; I am one of the very few on TV who studied intensively about facts and numbers, published by the Office of Tourism Development who are now responsible for publishing the data; TAT is no longer doing so.

But, the new organization is as slow as TAT...

http://www.tourism.go.th/index.php?option=...0&Itemid=25

LaoPo