ATTA agents feel the pinch

BANGKOK  Association of Thai Travel Agents’ member companies handled 2,591,947 international tourists at Suvarnabhumi Airport during January to November representing a decline of 34.87% from 3,979,711 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.
During the first 11 months of the year, China led the field with 873,423, down 32.12% from 1,286,737 visits during the same period last year.
inside no 5 Russia followed in second place with 427,263 visits, decreasing 26.97% from 585,022 visits.
The next in top five markets were: India (138,420; -22.01%); Japan (97,969; -63.33%); and South Korea (84,357; -45.12%).
The association president, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, said arrivals since the beginning of this year have not fully recovered. A positive indicator is evident in the Chinese market that has shown consecutive growth for the last two months.
“In October, the market recorded a growth of 113.78% with 121,186 visits, while Chinese visits increased 63.61% adding up to 148,673 visits in November.”
The president said the country stability will be key to revive tourist confidence over the next few months.
In November, 368,820 foreign tourists used an association member travel firm, a decrease of 0.91% from 372,215 visits during the same month last year.
China led the field in November with an increase of 63.61% with 148,673 visits compared to 90,871 visits during the same month in 2013.
Russia posted a decline of 36.71% from 88,152 to 55,789 in the 11th month of the year.
India ranked third with 15,048 visits increasing 23.37% from 12,197, while Japan was fourth with 13,902 visits decreasing 52.82% from 29,466.
South Korea was in fifth place recording 9,551 visits, down 32.82% from 14,216 during the same month last year.
The next top five markets in November were: Vietnam (7,632; +32.18%); France (6,566; -14.74%); Germany (4,630; -35.98%); the United Kingdom (4,621; -6.80%); and Taiwan (4,620; -37.63%).
The association also reported there were 67,778 tourists who were handled by member travel agencies at Don Mueang Airport in November.
The top 10 markets were: China (57,939); Indonesia (4,223); Malaysia (1,655); India (1,057); Vietnam (450); Japan (449); Myanmar (377); South Korea (248); Poland (193); and UK (168).
ATTA opened its second office at Don Mueang Airport, 1 August, to offer meet-and-greet services for member travel agents.
There is no ATTA office in Phuket, the other main airport in Thailand that has a significant number of travellers booking the services through member agents.

souced:ttrweekly.com