ATTA agents feel the pinch

BANGKOK : Association of Thai Travel Agents’ member companies handled 556,967 international tourists at Suvarnabhumi Airport, January to February, representing a decline of 31.40% from 811,950 visits during the same period last year.
ATTA released its data, Tuesday, based on fees member agencies pay to the airport to provide a meet-and-greet service for international clients. It is considered an accurate barometer for the tourism industry, but is limited to travel via Bangkok booked through travel agencies that are members of ATTA.
The association president, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, said prolonged political instability continues cut tour bookings.
“All we can hope for is a speedy conclusion to the crisis to give us time to salvage business during the rest of the year,” he said.
He also welcomed the government’s decision to end the state of emergency decree saying it was the right decision and good for the tourism industry as business operators have been demanding an end to the decree for some time.
“The tension in our country is forcing tour operators to cut Thailand out of the itinerary and promote holidays to Malaysia.”
Neighbouring Malaysia has picked up substantial business that was supposed to go to Thailand over the last three months. It included meetings, corporate related business and leisure travel, mainly family bookings from people who were not prepared to risk taking their families to a risky environment.
During the first two months of the year, Russia led the field for Bangkok’s travel agencies supplying 149,833 visits, a decrease of 9.02% from 164,681 visits during the same period last year.China followed with 97,111 visits, down 59.85% from 241,897.
The next top five markets were: Japan (23,317; -62.24%); South Korea (18,128; -55.98%); and India (15,608; -50.47%).
In February alone, Russia also led the list with 85,033 visits increasing 11.17% from 76,489 visits during the same month last year. China ranked second with a decline of 52.25% to 62,522 visits compared to 130,937 visits. Japan was third with 12,237 visits, a decrease of 63.89% from 33,886, while South Korea was fourth with 8,580 trips down 51.81% from 17,806 visits. In fifth place, India showed a decline of 44.18%, with 8,499 visits compared to 15,226 visits during the same month in 2013.
The next top five markets in February were: Germany (7,324; -28.71%); France (6,678; +3.44%); Taiwan (4,833; -58.49%); the United Kingdom (4,136; -43.93%); and the United States (3,571; +3.36%).

Sourced: TravelDailyNews