Thai Tourism Minister: "Floods Not Hurting Tourism"

[Buchholz]

US$825 Million Tourism Losses Due to Flood in Thailand

BANGKOK: The Thai tourism industry will face an estimated revenue loss of up to US$825 million* and a drop in international arrivals by 300,000 tourists if the current flood, the worst in five decades in this country, prolong until end of next month.

The Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Suraphon Svetasreni said the projected losses comprise US$387 million from international tourism and U$438 million from domestic tourism.

Continues:

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsgeneral.php?id=625130

Bernama - 4 minutes ago

* = 25,393,500,000 Baht (25.3 Billion)

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[Buchholz]

Floods Scare Off Foreign Tourists

The Director of Suvarnabhumi Airport has admitted that news reports about the flood disaster in Thailand has significantly cut down the number of visiting tourists.

The airport is aiming to distribute reports about the actual situation to foreigners in order to ease their concerns.

President of the Airports of Thailand, or AOT, Somchai Sawasdipol, who is also the acting director of Suvarnabhumi Airport, has admitted that news reports of the flood disaster in the country has significantly cut down the number of travelers coming through the airport.

Somchai reported that during the past three to four days, the average number of passengers has been around 100,000, dropping from a usual number of 130,000.

At the same time, flights have also decreased from 900 to 800 per day.

At any rate, the AOT will try to inform foreign tourists about the current flood situation.

Somchai expressed confidence that Suvarnabhumi Airport will not be flooded and tourists can still travel to the country as normal.

Moreover, Suvarnabhumi Airport has invited representatives from surrounding communities to discuss its flood prevention plan.

The communities asked the AOT to help provide them with water pumps and fuel.

In addition, they also want the airport to help dredge surrounding canals in preparation for floods.

-- Tan Network 2011-11-14

[TAWP]

A good reminder how little value or connection to reality ALL of their statements have from all ministries.

[saintofsilence]

Early Low Season Anticipated

On Friday at Pattaya City Hall, Mayor Ittipon Khunpleum met with relevant authorities in the tourist industry about a potentially early low season. This fall-off in visitors may hit Pattaya because of the disastrous Flooding here in Thailand; in fact, many tourists have already started leaving Pattaya, and there has been a high percentage of cancellations in the industry. The downturn has started to spread to all types of business in the Pattaya area. relating to tourism industry which the representatives of all relevant authorities were Banglamung Sheriff Mr. Chaowalit Saeng-u-tai, the President of Hotel Association Eastern Chapter Mrs. Bundarick Gusonwit, the President of Business Operator & Tourism of Pattaya Mr. Surachai Wat-ta-na-sart-sa-torn and media relations etc.

http://www.pattayapeople.com/default.asp?Folder=16&IdArticle=28850