Thailand puts its weight behind tourism revival initiatives

Thai people hates more than anything else to have a abd image. And of course, violence outburst in Bangkok in April and May this year has cast a shadow on the Kingdom?s image of a gentle harmonious society. The Thai government has decided to move forward with a tourism recovery plan and to move quickly. Thailand?s Government has extended a range of measures to promote tourism, including a waiver of tourist visa fees until 31 March, 2011 and approved a relief package for the tourism industry including loans of US$ 153 million. Hotels are exempted until 2011 from operation fees while Thai travelling on local packages from tour operators or pay for their accommodation will be able to deduct up to Bht 15,000 from their annual income tax this year. TAT was granted an additional budget of US$ 11.1 million to boost promotion on the domestic market. While Airports of Thailand has introduced discount schemes such as the reduction of landing fees by 15%. The Government will also study tax deductions for MICE organizers.

TAT is also rolling up its sleeves to attract again tourists from overseas and regional markets. According to TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni, TAT concentrates for now at luring travelers from South Asia, ASEAN countries as well as Northeast Asia. A huge mega fam-trip will take place with 500 tour operators and media invited into the country from July 12 to 15 with an overwhelming majority being from neighbouring countries. While mega-fam trips have been a classic among TAT marketing weapons after each crisis in Thailand, their efficiency is always unclear. The effect of the latest big mega Fam trip in October 2008 was a complete flop with Bangkok airport?s occupation less than two months later?
The most effective way to attract for now travelers to Bangkok is most probably the bargains offered by hotels. Despite the fact that most hoteliers have rejected deep discounts to stimulate the market, the price war is going on for at least a month time now with incredible offers: Hilton in cooperation with Zuji gives 25% off its properties in Bangkok; Accor hotels propose rooms from US$ 22 a night and distributes vouchers ranging between THB 150 (US$ 4.5) and THB 500 (US$ 15.4) according to the hotel category to its Accor Advantage Plus members.

The promotion is valid until September 30 and is dscribed by Accor as ?a token to welcome back tourists?. Shangri-La hotels has launched a special package ?Dream Deal? offering for less than U$ 200 limousine transfer from the airport, free breakfast buffet and free internet. A special offer of US$ 122 is also proposed to the travel trade.

Some good news came out recently from the air transport industry. Thai Airways International has seen its average occupancy rise from 50% in April and May to 70% in June. The airline indicates that advance booking for July and August look favorable. Qatar Airways recently announced to launch a direct flight from Doha to Phuket, the first scheduled flight from Thailand?s second largest airport to the Middle East.

All these efforts take place as first signs of recovery start to point out in Thailand tourism. According to figures provided by TATn international passengers arriving at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport totalled 540,788 in the period of 1-27 June, 2010, a decline of 6.8% over the same period of 2009. It shows that the rate of decline has slowed significantly from May, where visitors arrivals dropped by 19 %. Tourism operators expect now a full return to normal by the fourth quarter, if nothing more happens in the political field.

Although TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni hopes for 14.8 million international arrivals by the end of the year, up b y 5% over 2009, tourism to the Kingdom is now more likely to finsih the year at the same level than last year, at 14 to 14.1 million travelers. A great achievement looking back at what the country endured over the last six months.

Sourced=ETN