Tsunami Panic To Have Only Minor Impact On Thai Tourism

[webfact]

Tsunami panic to have only minor impact on tourism

Bamrung Amnatcharoenrit

The Nation

Some Songkran cancellations locally; international visitors 'not concerned'

BANGKOK: -- The initial panic over Wednes-day's tsunami alert in provinces on the Andaman Sea coast has translated into only a minimal impact on the tourism industry in those areas, with cancellations for the Songkran period at between 10 and 20 per cent, tourism and hospitality industry veterans said.

Suchart Hirunkanokkul, president of the Thai Hotels Association Southern Chapter, said only 10 per cent of local tourists cancelled their bookings during the Songkran festival after the tsunami warnings. Foreign tourists, especially from Europe and the United States, have largely confirmed their trips to those areas, including Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga.

Some tourist groups from Japan cancelled trips to Phuket. There have been no cancellations for the post-Songkran period in Phuket. The period is expected to see a strong turnout of incentive and meeting groups, said Susdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA).

Meanwhile, Kongkrit Hiranyakit, the Tourism Council of Thailand's president for policy and planning, estimated between 10 and 20 per cent cancellations during April 12-16. There is no need to reduce room rates, especially via travel agent channels, to draw tourists, Kongkrit said.

"I believe they understand the situation well. It is a natural disaster, not a terrorist attack,'' Kongkrit said, adding that the chance existed for the country to turn a crisis into an opportunity by showing off its natural disaster crisis-management system. Following yesterday's evacuation by local authorities, tourists should be more confident that they will be moved to a safe place in the event of an emergency, thanks to practice drills, he added.

Taking a look at Patong beach in Phuket yesterday, Suchart, also managing director of the Phuket Graceland Resort in Patong, said there were a lot of foreign tourists enjoying sunbathing on the beach and swimming. The evidence is clear that the situation had returned to normal, Suchart said. As a result, tourism had not been affected to the extent many feared, he added.

A local woman working as a DJ in Phuket said yesterday was a normal day in the town, as if nothing had happened. Everybody was in a happy mood ahead of the Songkran festival, she said. The tsunami alert was a good lesson for local people on what to do in the future should a disaster strike, she said.

"Local people are happy with the tsunami alert centre, which did its job effectively. The airport reopening, especially, was faster than we expected,'' she said.

Airlines announced the resumption of normal flights to Phuket. They included Thai Airways (THAI), AirAsia and Bangkok Airways. National carrier THAI added extra flights to pick up passengers stranded because of Phuket International Airport's temporary closure.

The airline also offered more flexible terms to passengers affected by the closure. Those stranded on Wednesday can now change the day of their departure to any date within 90 days without paying any extra charge or ticket price differential. At present, Phuket is a provincial hub for AirAsia, connecting to domestic and international destinations including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bali and Jakarta.

Bangkok Airways has added extra flights for a total of 26 a day to pick up passengers stranded in Phuket. The first flights resumed at 5am yesterday.

-- The Nation 2012-04-13

[WilliaminBKK]

Agreed it will not have an impact on tourism, the airlines are not waiving change fees it is business as normal

In the west the story died once the warnings were cancelled.

[MEL1]

I don't even think there was 'panic' as such. Most was organised contact and updating.

I think the headline is rather 'unfair' and misleading.

-mel.

[paulrobertlane]

Rather an "ostrich" statement (as usual). 10% to 20% cancellations, especially at short notice when they cannot be resold, can destroy a small hotel.

Also the same regarding foreigners - those about to board a plane in the next few days will feel relatively safe becasue firstly they are "aware" and secondly will feel there is a "gap" between events. However it certainly WILL impact on tourist looking at future bookings. Especially in family orientated places such as Phuket.

[Jimi007]

I don't even think there was 'panic' as such. Most was organised contact and updating.

I think the headline is rather 'unfair' and misleading.

-mel.

Where you in Phuket? There was a lot of panic in many parts of the island. People headed for higher ground, and the coastal road was gridlocked in several areas.

[blackthorn2005]

I do not think the Japanese, Chinese or Koreans will fall for this!

[normac44]

Last night on the local news(Melbourne)I saw hundreds of people crying and screaming at Phuket Airport because they could not get home.Why cancel a trip of a lifetime when there was really no danger.Even going to Bangkok or somewhere would have been a better alternative.I have been there at times of disasters and crisis but it is part of life. I guess we all think differently.I love Thailand no matter what she throws at me.

Edited April 13, 2012 by normac44

[chooka]

I agree this act of nature will not effect tourism. There is nothing on this planet that will ever effect tourism in Thailand, You could have roaming armed mobs patrolling 24/7 shooting tourists and TAT will say that tourists are flocking to Thailand for the event.

[unanimosity]

So, the tsunami drop in arrivals is 20% in addition to the Hat Yai bombing cancellations (50%?)

Would that be in the neighborhood of 70% then?

[unanimosity]

Last night on the local news(Melbourne)I saw hundreds of people crying and screaming at Phuket Airport because they could not get home.Why cancel a trip of a lifetime when there was really no danger.Even going to Bangkok or somewhere would have been a better alternative.I have been there at times of disasters and crisis but it is part of life. I guess we all think differently.I love Thailand no matter what she throws at me.

"Noi, honey, I have been bad, better bring your hand cuffs and whip."

[madmitch]

Scaremogering is quite popular amongst Thai people and for every one that says things will be fine there are more that say they have heard from someone that there will be another tsunami tomorrow. Most Thai people listen to and believe their own.

And this filters down. I have two scared customers at the moment (the rest are fine but they have not talked to the merchant of doom lady next door}. They have six friends due to arrive in two weeks time who are apparently considering cancelling as a result of this.

In short, there could be avery slight initial downturn in tourist numbers (though with the end of the season just about here that would happen anyway) but there will be practically no long-term effect.

[TheGhostWithin]

Didn't the alert only last a few hours? I doubt most people that could afford to travel to Phuket (a pricy place even on an international scale now when you factor in the overpriced transport, and expensive tours and western priced beers and dinners) would hardly have been glued to the TV, phone or a news channel at the time of the event. I for one have to save for 6 months to take a 1 month trip in Thailand anymore, its not a trip to empty out pocket change like it used to be but a well considered and planned event. I would not cancel because of a warning of a tsunami unless my travel was very close to the day, or even hour of the warning.

I travel often, and found out about the quake after the warning had been cancelled, because I work in an environment whereby personal communication devices are not permitted, and internet access is heavily restricted (no, I don't live in the Peoples Republic of China!). Those traveling within a few days of the quake may have cancelled, for fear of aftershocks in the region or a second event, but doubtfully would have cancelled because of the warning in effect. Both deadly Tsunamis in recent times (from Indonesia, and from Japan last year), had devastating tsunamis which claimed lives within minutes of the initial quakes. By the time people are warned of an approaching tsunami, it is often too late.