Kasikorn Middle East bookings will grow

BANGKOK Kasikorn Research Centre estimates tourist arrivals from the Middle East will increase 5.5% to 695,000 visits this year.

The centre said the market continues to be strong even during low season months.

“Middle East travellers are big spenders, they return frequently… tourism operators should tap this market to expand business opportunities,” the bank report suggested.

However the trend for Middle East travellers to book directly online and handle their own travel itineraries. Many of them are medical tourists, or frequent visitors to Thailand.

The centre estimates that the number of travellers from the Middle East could reach 695,000 visits, an increase of 5.5% over 2015.

“Recovering markets like Iran have potential to grow and Thai tourism operators should finds ways to tap  business opportunities.”

Some adjustments are needed in the hospitality and travel agency business to accommodate the special needs of travellers from the Middle East.

“Hotel operators should pay attention to facilities such as halal food, prayer rooms, while offering special room promotion packages for families.”

The centre added that operators should not rely on just one market in the Middle East, but spread their efforts across the region to reduce the risk of one market slowing down.

Kasikorn Research Centre is a subsidiary company of Kasikorn Bank, which conducts tourism and business research mainly on Thailand’s economy including tourism with reliable recommendations and indicators on business prospects.