Political chaos guts Thai tourism

BANGKOK, 16 May 2014: Association of Thai Travel Agents’ member companies handled 1,014,111 international tourists at Suvarnabhumi Airport, January to April representing a decline of 37.57% from 1,624,513 visits during the same period last year.
ATTA released its data, Wednesday, 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 through Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Association president, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, said political conflicts continue to scare foreign tourists.
“Tourism did not perform well in the first quarter of this year due to the ongoing political turmoil, with decreasing numbers of group travel from China, Japan, South Korea and Europe.”
The impact on the industry could extend to the third quarter of this year, he warned.
“It depends solely on the political situation and our leaders. If they resolve the conflict it improves; tourism growth will always follow political security.”
During the first four months of the year, Russia led the field with 253,455, a decrease of 17.01% from 305,402 visits during the same period last year. China followed with 244,942, down 54.97% from 543,922.
The next top five markets were: India (39,779; -40.60%); Japan (36,627; -65.83%); and South Korea (32,699; -51.92%).
In April, there were 195,787 trips handled by association member companies, a decline of 47.85% from 375,404 visits during the same month in 2013.
China led the list with 68,378 visits, a decrease of 58.57% from 165,063 visits during the same month last year. Russia followed with 30,141 visits, a decline of 48.11% from 58,088 visits. India was down 17.74% with 13,048 visits compared to 15,861.
South Korea recorded 6,877 visits with a decline of 41.12% from 11,679, while Japan supplied 5,030 trips down 66.16% from 14,863.
The next top five markets in April were: Vietnam (4,310; -76.35%); the United Kingdom (3,986; -34.14%); France (3,530; -15.81%); Germany (3,487; -40.44%); and Taiwan (3,310; -76.62%).

Sourced: ttrweekly