TAT revises down domestic tourism revenue target

BANGKOK, 23 April 2014, (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has revised this year’s revenue projection for the domestic tourism sector down to 640 billion baht from the previous 700 billion baht as a result of the ongoing political turmoil.

According to Mr. Anuphab Theerarat, the TAT’s Deputy Director of the Domestic Tourism Market, the number of local tourists embarking on domestic journeys is projected to decline to 130 million from the original target of 136.8 million. However, the drop in the number of local tourists is far less devastating than that of foreign visitors scared off by the political factor.

The diminishing domestic tourism figures are not expected to drop by more than 7 percent, he said, adding that the TAT plans to hold several activities from time to time in order to constantly stimulate the tourism industry. The agency also plans to revise the figures again at the end of the third quarter if the political conflict persists.

Despite the projected drop, the Deputy Director pointed out that 90 percent of the accommodation were booked up during the recently concluded Songkran festival.

He also invited all to attend the TAT's "Not An Ordinary Weekday" event, to be held at Queen Sirikit Convention Center from May 15th - 18th. The fair aims at encouraging tourists to travel during weekdays by offering accommodation at discounted prices, he said, expressing his hope that the event would attract at least 250,000 holidaymakers.

-- NNT 2014-04-23

. . . encouraging tourists to travel during weekdays by offering accommodation at discounted prices . . .

I was of the understanding that Thai's simply increase costs (a lot) when their revenue's are down . . . maybe this is the start of something new!

just cut to half to be more realistic and honest, instead of cutting, cutting and cutting

TAT will always underplay the situation, and has a continuous habit of overstating or even massaging the figures to give the perception that tourists are arriving in increasing numbers. The fact is however a far different story. The decline in numbers of tourists is quote obvious, namely the country is generally speaking becoming very expensive compared to their other Asianic countries such as Vietnam, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Philippines etc. Secondly, the problems of getting a visa, especially those that want to stay longer is quite frankly chaotic. Thirdly, the overall perception that Thailand is a friendly country is starting to diminish. And finally, the continued SCAMS which seems to have flourished and plagued the country over the past years is becoming a real issue. When you roll the whole thing into one, its quite obvious Thailand needs to directly address major concerns which have been voiced by many over the years. Failure to comply will result in fewer people coming. The political factor is of course a consideration, but not a major reason why the numbers are steadily on the decline.

why it has to be because of political turmoil ?????????????? Can it be something else ? I dont think the cause is the political issue here .....

It can be also that some other countries offer better deal , better concerns over tourists .... personally I never spend holidays in Thailand and I have been here for over 21 years.

It can be also that some other countries offer better deal , better concerns over tourists .... personally I never spend holidays in Thailand and I have been here for over 21 years.

A lot of the issues are foreign tourists are scared off because if a travel warning is issued by a foreign government then tourists cannot get ANY form of insurance, for cancellations, medical baggage loss NOTHING.

So would you go to a country with no insurance if anything could go wrong and your country says BETTER TO AVOID? Maybe you are adventurous, but many people think of going where there are no issues FOR them.

They killed the golden goose! Through the mantra. Greed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TAT should be counting as domestic tourists all the provincial and 'up-country' Thai folk who're currently occupying Lumpini Park & previously occupied other Bangkok landmark sites!

Do this & they'll soon be revising the figures UPWARDS! You can prove just about anything with statistics!

Promote travelling on weekdays. Good idea!

Mind you, most Thai need to work on weekdays. Now how to find a solution for that

"domestic tourism sector down to 640 billion baht from the previous 700 billion baht"

"domestic tourism figures are not expected to drop by more than 7 percent, he said"

These TAT muppets can't even work out percentages.... The drop above is just under 10%, (9.375% to be precise).....

Is there somebody out there who can stop those retarded i_iots of TAT? This stuff is read all over the planet, to the great entertainment of one and all!

Good post from useronthenet; says it all, but who is going to take any notice of it? Sadly no-one that matters.

TAT is full of it

everyone of their estimates gets revised down

same w the Finance Minister

they need to get real

thailand is toast

Why is declining domestic tourism a catastrophe.

If a Thai pays 100 baht to eat food or 100 baht fora hotel GDP.is the same. TAT shouldn't be prioritising domestic tourism this much.

They need falang bums on seats.with forex.

Why is declining domestic tourism a catastrophe.

If a Thai pays 100 baht to eat food or 100 baht fora hotel GDP.is the same. TAT shouldn't be prioritising domestic tourism this much.

They need falang bums on seats.with forex.

Totally agree wit the spending issue but remember lots of politicians and "influential people" have interests in hotels.

Why is declining domestic tourism a catastrophe.

If a Thai pays 100 baht to eat food or 100 baht fora hotel GDP.is the same. TAT shouldn't be prioritising domestic tourism this much.

They need falang bums on seats.with forex.

Totally agree wit the spending issue but remember lots of politicians and "influential people" have interests in hotels.

there aint a hotel in bangkok gonna post a profit for the last 2 quarters,

not one

and of they do, they are lying,

did I say lying? the Thai national past time