BANGKOK, Dec 10 – Thailand’s tourism industry has been hit by ongoing political demonstrations with 20 per cent of inbound tour bookings by Asian travelers being canceled, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand.
The Tourism Council consisting of 77 tourism-related associations and 122 tourism business operators on Sunday issued a report on the impact on Thailand’s tourism industry of political unrest as of Dec 2.
The report found that 20 per cent of Asian travelers, particularly incentive travels, have canceled their trips to the kingdom and opted to visit other countries instead, while 30 per cent confirmed their trips to Thailand but diverted their destinations to other provinces to avoid political rallies in the capital.
Forward bookings by foreigners also slowed, said the report, adding that 30 per cent of domestic travel and holding conventions and meetings has also been suspended.
Those already confirming their trips, especially Europeans, however, still visited Thailand but diverted instead to provinces which have not been affected by political demonstrations.
Although travel advisories issued by 32 countries have not considered Thailand’s situation as severe, the report said in practice some countries including China have advised their citizens to reconsider their planned trips here.
Tourism council president Piyamarn Techapaibbon expressed concern that the tourism business is especially fragile during this period. She urged tourism-related service sector agencies such as the Airports Authority of Thailand to provide measures to boost confidence among tourists, as well as ensure their safety.
