High-level discussions are underway across all sectors of the Thai travel and tourism industry to facilitate a quick recovery from the political unrest that led to significant declines in visitor arrivals in April and May 2010.
A range of strategies, activities and projects are being discussed among the private and public sectors as well as in cooperation with government agencies responsible for other economic sectors, which were also affected.
The Royal Thai Government has given full support to a quick recovery of the Thai travel and tourism industry in recognition of its importance to the national economy as well as the fact that it was the worst affected of all business sectors.
According to official data, international passengers arriving at Suvarnabhumi International Airport fell by an average of 20% over May 2009 and by 30% over May 2008. In the period of 18-24 May 2010 alone, daily arrivals declined by an average of 12,000–14,000 over normal.
However, the number of international passenger arriving at Phuket International Airport rose by 61.15% to 88,126 during 1-28 May 2010. Since January 2010, the number of international passengers arriving at Phuket International Airport showed good growth: 35% in January, 70% in February, 39% in March and 39% in April.
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and most popular international beach resort. It is now the country’s second largest international gateway by air and has become a major hub for regional flights from the ASEAN countries and Australia. It is also attracting numerous charters from Europe.
At the moment, private sector associations are busy availing of the financial assistance measures being prepared by the government to help businesses, especially the small and medium sized enterprises, which were affected directly by the conflict. These include straight cash hand-outs, extension of low-interest loans, etc, which are mainly designed to ensure that businesses remain solvent and do not layoff staff.
In the immediate term, maximum effort is being directed towards reviving the domestic market, which has proved to be a significant saving grace and source of quick business in facilitating recovery from past crises; such as, the downturn caused by the global financial turmoil in 2008-2009.
Hence, the Thailand Tourism Festival (TTF), to be held between 9-13 June 2010 at the Impact Muang Thong Thani, will highlight the country’s 72 provinces. The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is also joining the effort by encouraging Thai companies and government agencies to hold their meetings and conferences in the provinces.
Many of the traditional measures like waiving of visa fees and special concessions given to the airlines on landing charges have been extended beyond their expiry date of last March. The Thailand Travel Mart 2010 (TTM), the country’s leading home-based travel event, has been postponed to 8-10 September 2010.
More heavy-duty marketing campaigns and stepped up fam trips for travel agents, media, and MICE events organisers will be deferred until the end of the year.
