World tourism officials praise Thai recovery efforts

International tourism officials on Friday praised Thailand's efforts to restore its image as a safe destination after months of political turmoil.

The kingdom's image as "the Land of Smiles" was shattered after thousands of anti-government protestors occupied Bangkok's central shopping and hotel district in April and May and sporadic violence left 90 people dead and 1,885 injured.

Economic losses, including the torching of several of Bangkok's landmark businesses, were estimated at 200 billion baht (6.25 billion dollars).

At a meeting Friday in Bangkok's once-violence-hit Ratchaprasong shopping district, World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) secretary general Taleb Rifai and Pacific Asia Travel Association chief executive Gregory Duffell pledged to work closely with Thailand to accelerate the recovery of the country's tourism industry.

"UNWTO and its members stand behind Thailand," Rifai said. "Valuable lessons and strategies used by other member states to confront similar crisis situations will be shared. This meeting also represents an expression of solidarity with Thailand from the international tourism community."

Rifai praised Thai government efforts to revitalize the tourism industry, including a financial scheme for tourism entrepreneurs and small businesses affected by the unrest, exemption from the tourist visa fee for foreigners and a landing and parking fee discount for airports.

Thailand's tourism industry was hurt by the outbreak of SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, in 2003; by the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004; and the closure of Bangkok's two airports by protestors in 2008.

Sourced=earthtimes