TCT bullish on 2015 prospects

16 Jan 2015  2040 | World Travel News

BANGKOK Tourism Council of Thailand estimates Thailand tourism industry can regain a healthy growth rate of 14.77% to reach 28.36 million visits by the end of 2015.
According to the latest of Thailand Tourism Confidence Index, released Monday, TCT projects the country’s tourism will close 2015 with 28.36 million international tourist arrivals, up 14.77% from an estimated 24.71 million in 2014.
The only downside is the presence of a military run government and martial law that virtually ends the possibility of acquiring meaningful insurance cover during a Thailand holiday.
Efforts to offer an alternative insurance cover from local firms in Thailand failed to attract international attention. Tour operators claim the insurance scheme was doomed from the offset because it failed to take on board their input on sales channels and conditions that would have required visitors use registered accommodation.
inside no 2 The tourism confidence index for January to March 2015 predicts a level of 105 compared to the standard confidence benchmark of 100. The index is based on data from 600 tour agencies.
The positive factors that could boost first quarter tourism include the fact it is the peak season for travel (44%); economy has improved (35%); and political stability is now in place (32%).
During Q1, the council estimates 7.55 million foreign tourists will visit Thailand, up 18.52% from 6.37 million during the same period last year.
Of that projection, 1.73 million visits should come from ASEAN countries (+15.39%), 2.93 million from the Middle East (36.16%), and 1.85 million from Europe (+21.71%).
However, TCT president, Ittirit Kinglake, warned that economic slowdown in many countries and tough competition are the key factors that could erode the performance and lower confidence.
Internal political problems and natural disasters are both unpredictable factors.
“China and European markets including Russia are essential for growth this year. If arrivals from these countries plunge, tour operators and hotels will be in bad shape.”
The TCT has asked the government to help rebuild confidence through three short-term measures. The first would restore safety and security.
The second would streamline visa approvals in high-potential markets. And the third would offer multiple-entry visas for countries that send many repeat visitors.
TCT also outlined four plans to drive the industry forward in a sustainable manner. They are: Develop a “digital economy” for tourism by improving access to data and information, especially for operators; Promote special-interest tourism such as halal food, beauty, healthcare, communities and culture; improve human resources to cash in on the opening of the AEC; and develop tourism networks on both intra-regional and international scales.
Forecast: Thailand tourism performance 2015inside-no-1.1

sourced:ttrweekly.com 

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