BANGKOK, Oct 11 – Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism & Sports reported that Typhoons Usagi and Wutip have caused Bt708 million (about US$22 million) in tourism business loss in nine of the country’s provinces.
Tourism & Sports Minister Somsak Pureesrisak said the ministry had assigned Tourism Department to survey the typhoons’ impact on tourism from the beginning of September.
The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department reported that as of Tuesday Phisanulok was the hardest hit province with a loss of Bt223 million, followed by Ayutthaya, Ubon Ratchathani, Suphan Buri, Prachin Buri, Lop Buri, Si Sa Ket, Singburi and Chai Nat.
Floods have affected 38 provinces. The flood situations of 11 provinces have improved while the other 27 are still inundated. Three provinces have been slightly affected by the flood.
Mr Somsak said the damage to tourism is indirect, and that most tourist attractions and hotels are not affected by the flood but by tourists’ lack of confidence.
The Tourism Department director-general has been assigned to inspect more tourist attractions for further preventive and rehabilitative measures and assistance to flood victims. The report will be presented to the Cabinet.
