Thai tourism may get Ebola-fear leg up

[webfact]

Tourism may get Ebola-fear leg up
SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Travel operators have suggested targeting foreign tourists who are concerned about travelling to the West because of the Ebola outbreak.

Ittirit Kinglake, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, suggested that Thai hotels and travel operators consider promoting the Kingdom as an Ebola-free destination.

He said a lot of tourists would avoid travelling to the US, Europe, and Africa for fear of getting infecting with the deadly disease shaking the global travel industry. "Without [any recorded cases of] Ebola here, it is a good time to encourage tourists into the country," Ittirit said.

Thai tourism has taken a hit this year due to political situation. The number of visitor arrivals is expected to drop by up to 20 per cent this year.

But Ittirit said that if operators offered attractive promotions tourist numbers, especially from long-haul markets, should increase. A lot of vacant rooms would be filled, especially in Bangkok.

According to Suparerk Soorangura, president of the Thai Travel Agents Association - the country's outbound body - the Ebola outbreak was impacting on travel movement in and out of Western countries.

Suparerk said some Thai travel operators had revealed that they were receiving more calls from agencies in Europe in order to switch trips to Thailand and other countries in Asia.

In a bid to encourage more Europeans to travel here, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has organised marketing activities, including the Amazing Thailand Road Show 2014, in four markets - France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg from September 29 to October 2.

TAT will lead 25 tourism entities, comprising destination management companies, hotels and airlines, to meet with 28 tourism operators and 75 travel agencies at the event in Paris. For the three Benelux countries, 60 tourism operators and 200 travel agents will attend.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Tourism-may-get-Ebola-fear-leg-up-30245792.html


-- The Nation 2014-10-20

[MJP]

Because Liberia was such a popular destination.

[tonbridgebrit]

One man's loss is another man's gain.

[wackybacky]

Is there no limit to the depths Thailand will go to make a few baht?.... I mean come on, thousands are dying and there is a real threat that this could go global on a wide scale and all this bunch can think about is how to exploit it for money.

They seem to think Thailand is the only country free of ebola, what about the other 190?

Welcome to ebola-free Thailand and catch AIDS.

Edited October 20, 2014 by wackybacky

[AGareth2]

I fear it won't be long before it comes to Thailand

[Soutpeel]

Proves how warped the minds of the TAT & TCT really are, possible international "disaster" going on and these gangs of imbeciles are trying to promote tourism on the back of it

[NongKhaiKid]

Proves how warped the minds of the TAT & TCT really are, possible international "disaster" going on and these gangs of imbeciles are trying to promote tourism on the back of it

On the Head ! It was ' martial law ' tourism now visit Ebola Free Thailand.

Saying it's disgraceful just doesn't cover it and in any case they will see nothing wrong, TIT !

[The stuttering parrot]

Yes come to Thailand we are Ebola free.

Just don't mention koh Tao jet skis tuk tuks ferry disasters gem scams pesticides in hotel rooms or your drinks etc etc.

Anyway if you do come here with Ebola no problems as we have the cure!

[Toknarok]

The mind boggles.

[dutchinlondon]

Come to Thailand,we not have ebola. But we kill you with our motorbike. quicker and less painful. We not the most dangerous country in the world. You know we should be

[madmitch]

Numbers are down but is there really a need for such desperate marketing.

Honestly, they haven't got a #*!@*#! clue!

[Crazy chef 1]

whenever you think it's can't get more ridiculous-TAT or one of their fellows come up with even more>deleted<

[FireMedic]

Come to Thailand, your chances of catching Ebola is near zero (as of now), but your chances of being killed in a car accident, killed or raped by the taxi driver, killed or raped on the beach, drown at the beach, or your tour boat crashes and sinks leaving you lost a sea is far, far greater.

[CobraSnakeNecktie]

Everyone is so polite in Thailand

Yeah boss that is a great idea!!

Come enjoy our trash free beaches, HIV free bar girls, Accident free roads and friendly Military dictators.

5555555

Thailand is so fun.

[thailiketoo]

So who do you all think will be the first country to ban travel from ebola effected areas? A. Thailand B. UK C. USA C. France D. Australia? All of the above have big tourist dollars coming in. Seems like a no brainer. Looking at the leadership of all of the above Thailand may have the edge on pragmatic non PC crap rule right now.

The first one to ban all flights and connecting flights will get the tourists.

Edited October 20, 2014 by thailiketoo

[chainarong]

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Proves how warped the minds of the TAT & TCT really are, possible international "disaster" going on and these gangs of imbeciles are trying to promote tourism on the back of it

On the Head ! It was ' martial law ' tourism now visit Ebola Free Thailand.

Saying it's disgraceful just doesn't cover it and in any case they will see nothing wrong, TIT !

Unfortunately Ebola will choose its time and place when it is ready, no one is safe world wide.

[NongKhaiKid]

Numbers are down but is there really a need for such desperate marketing.

Honestly, they haven't got a #*!@*#! clue!

We see it as sad, disgusting and desperate but they will ask what's wrong as it's a proper marketing opportunity.

[thailiketoo]

Numbers are down but is there really a need for such desperate marketing.

Honestly, they haven't got a #*!@*#! clue!

We see it as sad, disgusting and desperate but they will ask what's wrong as it's a proper marketing opportunity.

"What do you mean we white man." From a Lone Ranger movie. Why do you think Switzerland got all of the tourists during WWII.

[sirineou]

I can see the advertising campaign

"Come to Thailand where the diseases you get are not life threatening" or "STD's are better than Ebola"

[NongKhaiKid]

Numbers are down but is there really a need for such desperate marketing.

Honestly, they haven't got a #*!@*#! clue!

We see it as sad, disgusting and desperate but they will ask what's wrong as it's a proper marketing opportunity.

"What do you mean we white man." From a Lone Ranger movie. Why do you think Switzerland got all of the tourists during WWII.

' White Man ' where does that come into it ? MadMitch didn't use the expression and neither did I.

[Lannig]

OMG... that's a new low really, these people have no shame indeed.

Yeah, not many Africans travel to Thailand, possibly because this is one of the most prejudiced societies against them in the world, bar apartheid-times South Africa.

I mean, there are many things I love about Thais and Thailand but the outspoken racism against black people is something I really hate.

Only African Americans seem to be (hardly) tolerated here, provided they come with a thick dollar-filled wallet.

It won't take that long until they have their first case anyway, like any country in this world except the completely closed ones.

How about this miracle cure anyway? no news of this since it was trumpeted on the media here. Just another burst of BS?

Edited October 20, 2014 by Lannig

[thailiketoo]

Numbers are down but is there really a need for such desperate marketing.

Honestly, they haven't got a #*!@*#! clue!

We see it as sad, disgusting and desperate but they will ask what's wrong as it's a proper marketing opportunity.

"What do you mean we white man." From a Lone Ranger movie. Why do you think Switzerland got all of the tourists during WWII.

' White Man ' where does that come into it ? MadMitch didn't use the expression and neither did I.

It is a Lone Ranger joke about including non participants in we. You see, NKK said we. Unless he is a royal I wanted to point out I'm not one of his ilk or club or clique who wants to be included in the we.

[thailiketoo]

OMG... that's a new low really, these people have no shame indeed.

Yeah, not many Africans travel to Thailand, possibly because this is one of the most prejudiced societies against them in the world, bar apartheid-times South Africa.

I mean, there are many things I love about Thais and Thailand but the outspoken racism against black people is something I really hate.

Only African Americans seem to be (hardly) tolerated here, provided they come with a thick dollar-filled wallet.

It won't take that long until they have their first case anyway, like any country in this world except the completely closed ones.

How about this miracle cure anyway? no news of this since it was trumpeted on the media here. Just another burst of BS?

Have you ever been to Soi Africa? Lots of Africans in Bangkok.

[ParadiseLost]

In a bid to encourage more Europeans to travel here, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has organised marketing activities, including the Amazing Thailand Road Show 2014, in four markets - France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg from September 29 to October 2.

TAT will lead 25 tourism entities, comprising destination management companies, hotels and airlines, to meet with 28 tourism operators and 75 travel agencies at the event in Paris. For the three Benelux countries, 60 tourism operators and 200 travel agents will attend.

"We desperately need more money to fund our traveling circus..."

[evadgib]

I fear it won't be long before it comes to Thailand

By the end of Jan per annum we (residents) are poleaxed by whatever viruses stow away on the xmas traffic from the west therefore it's right to expect it here.

[NongKhaiKid]

#22.

I know exactly what you mean so by disassociating yourself from adverse comments about this tourist idea are you saying it's ok to use such a marketing ploy ?

[pinkpanther99]

Desperate times call for desperate measures?

Things must be really bad if Ebola is all they've got to boost tourism.

Just to add - it's utterly disgusting that the death of tens of thousands of people and the horrific plight of many, many more could be seen as being positive in any way shape or form for Thailand.

If a politician or industry leader made these comments in any other country, they'd almost certainly lose their job. I hope the same thing happens here.

DISGUSTING.

Edited October 20, 2014 by pinkpanther99

[BSJ]

The Thai's are looking at it as a win/win situation. You have a great holiday and spend your money they win. If you get robbed or ripped off they win!

[thailiketoo]

#22.

I know exactly what you mean so by disassociating yourself from adverse comments about this tourist idea are you saying it's ok to use such a marketing ploy ?

In the same way that the Swiss attracted tourists during WWII by being a safe haven from war I see nothing wrong with Thailand being a safe haven from Ebola. If the world leaders have not figured out the advantage of a travel ban then let any country who has the sense to impose such a ban reap the rewards.

[thailiketoo]

Desperate times call for desperate measures?

Things must be really bad if Ebola is all they've got to boost tourism.

Just to add - it's utterly disgusting that the death of tens of thousands of people and the horrific plight of many, many more could be seen as being positive in any way shape or form for Thailand.

If a politician or industry leader made these comments in any other country, they'd almost certainly lose their job. I hope the same thing happens here.

DISGUSTING.

Because Thailand does not have Ebola is not disgusting. It's lucky. Because Thailand stays free from Ebola will depend on the intelligence of the current rulers. Last I heard Thailand was sending money and medical assistance to Africa. So what else do you want? USA did not have the protocols in place or the smarts to use them and as a result has infected people with Ebola. I hope Thailand is smarter.

Edited October 20, 2014 by thailiketoo