NEW YEAR

TAT optimistic of new year spending after 2011 disaster

BAMRUNG AMNATCHAROENRIT

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Travellers during the New Year holidays are expected to spend more than Bt13.1 billion, says the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

That's good news for the industry compared with last year, when the TAT was forced to cancel plans for many festive events because of the flood disaster.

Suraphon Svetasreni, governor of the authority, said it would organise activities and help stimulate tourism across the nation.

From December 29 to January 2, the TAT projects that tourists will be flocking into the provinces to celebrate. Their numbers are estimated at more than 2.36 million, with hotel occupancy at more than 70 per cent.

The Northern region will be the top destination for tourists this year, thanks to its cooler climate and activities planned to lure tourists. Of the total projected revenue of Bt13.1 billion, Bt3.5 billion will be contributed in the North,

followed by Bt3.2 billion each in Bangkok and the South, Bt1.6 billion in the Central region, Bt1 billion in the East, and Bt600 million in the Northeastern region of the country.

Tanongsak Somwong, president of the Tourism Association of Koh Samui, said this New Year festival was looking good for the island. Hotel occupancy has reached 80-85 per cent and will go as high as 95 per cent at some hotels during the period.

"It is better than 2011,'' Tanong-sak said.

He said the recent power blackout had not hurt the island's tourism image. It will be able to maintain its annual growth in tourist numbers at 15-20 per cent, and the New Year period is a big contributor to this growth.

Suraphon said the TAT would join in the "Miracle Thailand Countdown 2013". Eight locations will be promoted: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pattaya, Khon Kaen, Hat Yai, and two in Phuket. The TAT hopes to promote it as international event in collaboration with countries worldwide.

Yutthachai Soonthronrattana-vate, president of the Association of Domestic Travel, said domestic tourism was very popular during the New Year period, making it difficult to get air tickets to major destinations.

Travel to other countries is booming as well, especially those nearby. Last month, 500,000-600,000 Thais travelled outside the Kingdom, according to immigration checkpoints, up by about half from normal periods. This month, November's number is expected to increase by 15-20 per cent.

The growth comes from a low travel base last year, which was hit by the flood crisis, as people postponed their travel plans. However, travel is also becoming more attractive to a lot of Thais because of convenient service from transport providers and immigration, especially border countries.

-- The Nation 2012-12-20

Sounds good ...but wait

All rather speculative figures by TAT.. nothing concrete about anything.

"2011 disaster"?

Where is that mentioned in the text?

And how can it be? Thailand's tourist numbers were constantly increasing since...forever and everything is great and super and fantastic....

Sounds like the TAT Gang must have trucked on down to some of those old ladies behind the BEIR GAREDEN on Soi 7 and Sukhumvit to have their fortune told.

"2011 disaster"?

Where is that mentioned in the text?

And how can it be? Thailand's tourist numbers were constantly increasing since...forever and everything is great and super and fantastic....

"2011 disaster"?"

2011 disaster refers to I guess the floods,,,, Sept / Oct last year ...

And another ludicrous statement ==

"From December 29 to January 2, the TAT projects that tourists will be flocking into the provinces to celebrate. Their numbers are estimated at more than 2.36 million, with hotel occupancy at more than 70 per cent".

and on the other hand just recently claimed that they will will be closing down over 7,000 illegitimate hotels / gusthouses through Thailand out of a total of 12.000 /...?

Oh right ... read that wrong ...Sorry BUT they will only start closing down these 7,000 illegitimate hotels / guesthouses as of January 3rd ... !! These guys are so PTP bought ! Incredible