Tourism confidence runs wild

13 Jun 2013 2040 | World Travel News

BANGKOK, 13 June 2013: Tourism Council of Thailand forecasts the country’s tourism business will generate 26.08 million visits and revenue of around Bt1.18 trillion this year as the travel agency confidence indexsoars to the 100 benchmark score.

The tourism council’s projection is higher than the Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ estimate of 24.5 million and Tourism Authority of Thailand’s 24.14 million visits based on the positive rise in confidence at tour operator level.

TCT president, Piyaman Techapaibul, said at the council meeting, Tuesday, that the Tourism Confidence Index rated by tour operators for the period April to June stood at the standard benchmark 100 point which is the highest it has ever been in three years.

“The confidence index reflects closely the tourist arrival trends and the country’s economic recovery…however, fluctuations in the global economy could impact on tourist spending in Thailand.”

The president added: “A stronger Thai baht will not impact on tourist arrivals, but will reduce spending, while encouraging Thais to make more overseas trips.”

The council estimated the Thai outbound market will grow 10% to 15%, this year, from 4.5 million trips and a spend of Bt108,000 million.

To support tourism the council backs the development of mass transport systems, which can have a major impact on tourism trends in the long-run.

“The government should raise the quality of transport to tourist attractions particularly high speed train projects…the private sector therefore needs to know more details about these projects,” the president said.

TCT vice president, Pornthip Hirunkate, added that East Asian tourists will lead the field of arrivals with Chinese as the key source followed by tourists from ASEAN during the third quarter of this year.

“China is now our strongest market and by the end of the year we expect to welcome 4.2 million Chinese tourists compared with 2.7 million visits last year.Shopping is the main activity accounting for around 30% of the spend.”

Sourced: ttrweekly