Political Unrest Biggest Threat To Thailand's Upcoming High Tourist Season

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TOURISM

Political factor tops threats to high season

By Suchat Sritama

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand and the private sector are concerned about three major risk factors that could affect tourism during the coming high season.

They are internal political instability, baht and other currency movements, and natural disasters in other countries. TAT governor Suraphon Svatesreni yesterday said the agency and private associations were worried about each of these factors, as they could hit tourism during the final quarter of the year - the peak season.

The TAT's Crisis Communication Centre is monitoring the issues in order to prepare for any damaging incidents or developments that may occur.

Surapol Sritrakul, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, said the return of anti-government red-shirt protests over the past weekend had caused demand in some key tourism markets to plunge, particularly in Japan.

Opan Nete-umpai, vice president of the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association, said a resumption of political unrest would likely be the most important factor affecting the sector, ahead of currency movements and natural disasters. Suraphon said the recent earthquake in New Zealand and storm in Taiwan could dent the number of visitors from these two places

However, overall international arrivals from January to August totalled 10 million, 13 per cent higher than in the same period last year, he added. Key markets were mainland China, Hong Kong, South Korea, India, Russia and Australia.

The TAT targets 15 million foreign visitors this year, up from the 14.5 million recorded last year.

Charoen Wangananond, spokesman of the Federation of Thai Tourism Associations, said the private sector and officials should promote and encourage local tourism over the next five years.

In the short term, the TAT and the private sector have organised a travel fair in Bangkok from Thursday to Sunday, aimed at boosting domestic tourism in the final quarter.

The agency and associations have also outlined a Strategic Recovery Plan for the post-political-crisis period.

The plan aims to build confidence in overseas markets and to ask tour operators abroad to keep selling Thailand.

-- The Nation 2010-09-21

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Tourism Sector Discusses 3 Key Factors, Proposes Crisis Fund

The Tourism Authority of Thailand and related businesses have identified political and economic situations, along with the natural disasters as the main factors affecting the country's tourism industry.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Thai Tourism Associations has proposed a 10-billion-baht fund be set up to revive the tourism industry.

On September 20, The Tourism Authority of Thailand, or the TAT, met and consulted with representatives from the tourism industry.

TAT Governor Surapol Sawetseranee said after the meeting that they specified three factors that could have direct negative effects on tourism in Thailand including the political instability, the global economy, and natural disasters.

The TAT and the tourism industry have pledged to keep a close eye on these factors under the directive of the Tourism Intelligence Unit and Crisis Management Center, or the TIC.

The TAT is also aiming to streamline its policies in order to bring about a quick response to any situation, specifically with regards to budget allocation and crisis management.

The TIC also plans to involve all related agencies, and they will be tasked with raising the country's tourism standards.

President of the Thai Travel Agents Association, Charoen Wang-ananont said that because the three negative factors are unpredictable, the TAT should promote domestic tourism.

The ratio of Thai tourists to foreign tourists should be raised to 1:1 (one to one) within the next five years, in order to mitigate risks. Charoen did point out, however, that both domestic and foreign tourist markets have growth potential.

At any rate, the Federation of Thai Tourism Associations also proposed at the meeting that the TAT or the Tourism and Sports Ministry set up a fund, worth at least 10 billion baht, to alleviate problems in the tourism industry during a crisis.

The fund would be spent immediately to attract foreign tourists to Thailand.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-21

[elcent]

The Baht is not in a free fall as it normally happens in situation like this but tourism may be.

[asiawatcher]

Political unrest is something locals deal with daily. The tourism at large are made aware only when issues arise. The Reds regurgitating their hatred on Sunday does nothing to increase tourism or put Embassies mind's to rest. Expect more travel warnings and standby by for more rhetoric from TAT saying all is on the mend!

[ginqueen30]

i think it is called Thailand, and all the little people who help serve the tourists are F***ed !!!!

[rubl]

...

The ratio of Thai tourists to foreign tourists should be raised to 1:1 (one to one) within the next five years, in order to mitigate risks. Charoen did point out, however, that both domestic and foreign tourist markets have growth potential.

...

Either Thai tourists spent as much on local trips as foreign tourists coming here, or this is the usual 'wishful thinking' we've come to expect from TAT

Edited September 21, 2010 by rubl

[wileycoyote]

I wonder if this too late for this season ?

They better move fast for next year,otherwise European Tour Operators will sell Mexico,Malaysia ,to Thailand detriment

[MAJIC]

Only a week or two ago TAT was forcasting 19.5 Million Tourists expected this year.

With no problems on the horizen adversely effecting Tourism,

Now its down to 15 Million,up 500,000 on last year.

When are these people going to realise their forcasts are not worth a light?

I would be surprised if figures are even up at all on last year.

Tourists decide where to spend their money and whether to come to Thailand,not them.

[Tropicalevo]

Only a week or two ago TAT was forcasting 19.5 Million Tourists expected this year.

With no problems on the horizen adversely effecting Tourism,

Now its down to 15 Million,up 500,000 on last year.

When are these people going to realise their forcasts are not worth a light?

I would be surprised if figures are even up at all on last year.

Tourists decide where to spend their money and whether to come to Thailand,not them.

You are correct when you say that 'tourists decide where to spend their money'. However, one very important fact is easily forgotten in that decision. Travel Insurance.

When a government decides to post a 'travel advisory warning' because of political unrest, insurance companies increase their premiums to those countries by 100's of %. Lots of tourists did not come to Thailand during the recent protests because they felt unsafe. They did not come because they could not afford the insurance which was suddenly more than twice the flight costs.

[hyperdimension]

Travel Insurance.

What ever happened to the government's offer of free travel insurance to tourists? Did anyone actually get it?

I am here on a tourist visa however I had no idea how to get it and it didn't seem like anyone else here knew either.