ATTA reports strong travel trends

BANGKOK Despite a crackdown on zero-dollar tours, the Association of Thai Travel Agents reported a 5.7% increase in clients handled by members, January to November.

In the short-term the crackdown cut into the number of clients handled by travel agencies in the inbound Chinese market, but overall Thailand’s travel firms have improved their business over the first 11 months of the year.

Member companies handled 5,040,622 travellers, January to November, at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, representing a 5.73% increase from 4,767,509 during the same period last year.

ATTA released its data, Wednesday, based on fees member agencies pay to the two airports to provide a meet-and-greet service for international clients, but limited to travel through Bangkok.

The association president, Charoen Wangananont, said he was confident the government visa fee waiver policy for tourists from 19 nations would boost inbound traffic during high tourism season.

The visa-fee waiver will be applicable until February next year.

The 19 nations eligible for the visa-fee waiver comprise of Andorra, Bulgaria, Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

Citizens from the 19 countries do not need to pay THB1,000 fee to process a visa at Thai embassies or consular offices.

The visa-on-arrival fee that was increased, 27 September to THB2,000 has also been reduced to THB1,000 for citizens of the 19 countries, The visa is valid for 15 days.

“China and India would get the most benefit from the scheme as they play major roles in the kingdom’s tourism industry,” the president said.

January to November

For the first 11 months of the year, China led the field with an improvement of 11.66% from 2,763,235 visits to 3,085,542 visits. About 300 ATTA agents are involved in the China market.

Neighbouring Vietnam ranked in second place with 215,375 visits increasing 21.27% from 177,593 visits during the same period last year.

The next top five markets were: Russia (204,347; -14.11%); India (182,380; +1.70%); and South Korea (149,216; +5.34%).

November: Suvarnabhumi performance

In November, there were 233,800 foreign tourists who travelled with association members at Suvarnabhumi Airport, down 31.97% from 343,661 visits during the same month last year.

China was the top source of travel agency bookings in November with 70,224 visits, decreasing 59.46% from 173,236 visits. This was due to the short-term impact of a recent crackdown on zero-dollar tours.  Tourism officials expect recover will be visible in December. Even it if doesn’t officials say the crackdown must continue to improve the quality of the tourism industry overall.

Russia followed in second place with 27,105 visits up 1.03% from 26,828 visits during the same month last year.

South Korea ranked third with 17,868 visits increasing 7.14% from 16,678 visits.

Japan was fourth with 13,297 visits improving 16.89% from 11,376 visits, while India in fifth place, with 12,755 visits, dropped 13.69% from 14,778 visits.

The next top five markets in November were: the United Kingdom (8,891; +6.61%); France (6,141; +13.68%); Germany (5,432; -19.33%); Vietnam (4,565; -24.38%); and the United States (3,692; +5.64%).

November: Don Mueang performance

The association also reported 73,846 tourists used member companies at Don Mueang Airport in November this year, decreasing 30.70% from 106,557 during the same month last year.

China also topped arrivals at the second gateway recording 56,180 visits down 39.44% from 92,775 visits.

Indonesia was second with 5,777 visits, up 35.48% from 4,264 visits during the same month last year.

Vietnam ranked third recording 3,001 visits, an increase of 146.59% from 1,217 visits.

India in fourth place, with 2,604 visits, improved 19.39% from 2,181, while Malaysia in fifth place, with 1,564 visits, decreased 21.37% from 1,989 visits.

The next top five markets in November were: Japan (925; +43.63%); Myanmar (908; +108.74%); South Korea (696; -44.50%); Iran (367; +18,250.00%); and Poland (268; +25.82%).

Top 10 source markets for ATTA agents January to November 2016 at both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports

sourced:ttrweekly.com