Protests send tourists south

Thai Travel Agents Association says Malaysia and Singapore are strengthening tourism campaigns to attract foreigners who hesitating to book Thailand holidays.
TTAA president, Sutthiphong Phuenphiphop, said Malaysia and Singapore have increased efforts and it has resulted in tourists who cancelled their Thailand holidays travelling to neighbouring countries instead. Also Bangkok residents “fed up with domestic political issues are taking off to Singapore for a break”.
“Malaysia and Singapore have been heavily promoting their countries to persuade international visitors to switch their travel destinations from Thailand,” he said.
They are targeting repeat visitors who know Thailand well and are concerned that the political situation will continue to worsen. Malaysia is also attracting seniors who were attracted to Thailand for long-stay or retirement.
Rules in Malaysia governing home purchases and length of stay are more flexible, transparent and there is less corruption when dealing with officials retirees claim.
But the main emphasis of Malaysia’s campaigns is to convince Thais to take a break and explore the holiday options of their neighbour.
“Malaysia’s tourism promotions are supported by a bigger budget up 50% and more support is going to Thai travel firms to conduct public relations campaigns to build consumer interest. Sales promotions such as upgrading hotel rooms have also been implemented to draw in at least 1.5 million Thai visitors to Malaysia this year, up from the 1.2 million in 2013,” he said.
Malaysia has clearly been trying to penetrate the Thai market through tour companies, there has been a big improvement in efforts recently, he added. “The Malaysia government recognises Thais have high spending power particularly for shopping.”
In addition, Singapore has placed more emphasis on meetings, incentives, conferencing, and exhibitions market than regular tourists, he said.
Thailand’s MICE organisers are suffering postponements or even cancellations this month from local firms that have stopped incentives due to the protests.
But individual and family travel to Singapore is booming due to its casinos and theme parks as well as bargain air fares on the route.

Sourced: ttrweekly