TCT drops 2015 target

BANGKOK Tourism Council of Thailand has revised its estimate on Thailand’s tourist arrivals from the previous target of 28.36 million to 27.96 million.
According to the latest Thailand Tourism Confidence Index, released Tuesday, the revised target is based on a declining confidence in the Russian market and local economic conditions in Thailand. Russia’s weak ruble puts up the cost of a holiday in Thailand by around 35%, while key markets in the EU are also facing economic constraints.
The Thai baht is also stronger against most currencies at present with the exception of the US dollar, which raises the cost of holidaying in the country.
TCT says it is more feasible to set the target at 27.96 million with revenue at THB1.28 trillion compared to 24.77 million visits and THB1.14 trillion in revenue last year.
Inside no.1The tourism confidence index for January to March shows a level of 99 compared to the standard confidence benchmark of 100. The index is based on data from 600 tour agencies.
Meanwhile, the index for April to June should improve to around 101.
TCT president, Ittirit Kinglake, said tourists are worried about the economy and their spending power has been reduced.
“An economic slowdown in many countries and tough competition are key factors that will hold back growth in Thailand’s tourism market.”
He added: “In the Q2, we expect arrivals to reach 5.74 million…this year Chinese tourists will play a key role and will for the first time break all records by passing 5 million visits by year-end.”
According to the index, in Q1, Chinese arrivals were estimated at 1.45 million (+39.41%) ,while in Q2 the projection was set at 1.29 million (+53.82%). For the entire year , Chinese visits should reach 5.67 million up 23.14%.
In contrast, the Russian market will decline to 768,000 visits a decrease of 52.11% from last year.
In Q1, arrivals from Russia were estimated at 391,500 v(-44.09%) while Q2 was forecast at 95,000 visits (-64.03%).
TCT vice president, Pornthip Hirunkate, advised tourism operators to focus on a variety of markets rather than a single one.
“Pattaya tourism suffered from the decline of Russian tourists,” she noted.
“Tourism operators should focus on Asia, ASEAN, Middle East and Latin America to balance the shortfall of European market.”
She added that living under martial law was not a key factor any more.
“International tourists understand …the law was introduced to ensure a peaceful environment and this has raised confidence.”
The council also suggested the government should promote national holidays, long weekends such as Chakri Memorial Day (4 to 6 April), Songkran festival (11 to 15 April), National Labour Day to Coronation Day (1 to 5 May) and Visakha Bucha Day (1 June) to spur domestic tourism. It will also encourage outbound travel, giving Thais more time to visit their favourite overseas destinations with minimal loss of company vacation days.
For the second quarter, 15% of Thais plan to travel overseas especially during Songkran and a five-day holiday on Coronation Day. The the index suggested that Japan was the top destination for Thai travellers followed by South Korea and Singapore.
An estimated of Thailand tourism performance 2015Inside-no.1.1

sourced:ttrweekly.com