Political turbulences depress outbound travel from Thailand

BANGKOK - “We feel the pinch of the political events. They are far less bookings from Thai travellers”, admits a Thai freelance tourist guide, who sees his diary book remaining empty for the next weeks. The prolonged political protests in Thailand do not only affect inbound tourism –particularly from Asia. It does also take its toll on outbound travel. Signs of a slowdown are multiplying. The Bangkok Post reported earlier this week that the spring edition of the Thai International Travel Fair organized by the Thai Travel Agent Association –TTAA- might look quite empty. The fair will take place from February 20 to 23 at Queen Sirikit Convention Centre in the heart of the city.

Talking to the Bangkok Post, TTAA president Suthipong Phuenphiphop indicated that the total number of booths will be down to 750- mostly travel agencies and airlines- as six national tourism organizations decided not to join for security concerns. TTAA hopes that the four days of the show will still generate a turnover of THB 300 million (US$ 11 million), down from THB 400 million last year. Some 250,000 people are still expected to come for their holiday shopping.

Meanwhile, the situation in Bangkok is stabilizing. None of the two camps -¨Pro and Anti-government” can really claim victory. Elections saw a lower turn-around but they still were hold. And government’s offices work, albeit at very slow pace. The anti-government protesters lifted a couple of streets were they used to block traffic, letting Bangkok’s commuters breathing a little bit more.

The mood remains cautious in the travel industry. Many Bangkok hotels have launched discount rates to attract travellers and airlines have all slashed their fares to the Thai capital. Thai Airasia makes the promotion of its ‘fly-thrugh’ services through Bangkok with no stop in town; Bangkok’s airports are less busy than usual. And the TAT shifted totally its promotional efforts to destinations outside the capital. Meanwhile, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Pattaya and Phuket are just booming. At least, some positive news!

Sourced: TravelDailyNews