Tourist numbers expected to slump 30-40%

[PeteC]

Tourist numbers expected to slump 30
Suchat Sritama

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/busines ... 72386.html

The Nation
December 22, 2011 1:00 am

The number of foreign visitors is expected to drop by 30-40 per cent this month, including the Christmas and New Year's Eve period, as tourists are worried about bomb-threat reports, according to Thai Hotels Association (THA).

The association reported that average occupancy rate at four- and five-star hotels in Bangkok this month had still not improved from last month and was as low as 30 per cent, down from more than 80 per cent in November last year.

The inundation was the key factor in driving tourists away, who moved to neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore.

Prakit Chinamourphong, president of THA, said a lot of tourists lack confidence to celebrate Christmas and New Year in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok, because of bomb threats.

"News on bomb threats in Bangkok is spreading widely in Hong Kong right now. This has made a lot of tourists decide not to come to Thailand so it would have much impact on tourism and the hotel business here this peak season," said Prakit.

Last month, Thailand received 1.2 million visitors, lower than the 1.6 million to 1.7 million in same month last year.

Prakit said the number should rise this month.

In the domestic market, he said less local people would celebrate Christmas and New Year while most would not do so as they would have to set aside budgets for home and property renovation following the floods.

"I think domestic tourism is likely to drop 30 per cent in December. People are not in the mood to celebrate," said Prakit.

Prakit added that many hotels in Bangkok are not focused on selling compulsory packages as in the past due to lower consumer purchasing power and the recent flooding.

However, many hotels are still promoting their packages for the Christmas and New Year season......

[lomuamart]

The thing is that some other muppet will claim that tourist numbers are up xxx percent - tomorrow, today?

[hhfarang]

^ Yes, just a couple of days ago I was reading where someone in TAT said this would be a record season for tourist arrivals. They can't keep their propaganda straight.

[buksida]

They'll slump even further when Toxin gets back and those yellow loons get out on the streets again.

Deja vu anyone?

[Dr Mike]

Hua Hin figures are less affected than Thai-as-a-whole figures as most visitors are repeaters who do not fear the crisis -de -jour.

Pattaya similarly with its lust and gplf tourists is also insulated.

[Super Joe]

The association reported that average occupancy rate at four- and five-star hotels in Bangkok this month had still not improved from last month and was as low as 30 per cent, down from more than 80 per cent in November last year. Last month, Thailand received 1.2 million visitors, lower than the 1.6 million to 1.7 million in same month last year.

Really!?

"News on bomb threats in Bangkok is spreading widely in Hong Kong right now. This has made a lot of tourists decide not to come to Thailand so it would have much impact on tourism and the hotel business here this peak season," said Prakit.

...Mr Prakit went on to omit that it doesn't really matter much in the grand scheme of the year's income, seeing as visitor numbers for the whole of 2010 were already surpassed by end of October this year, and with visitor spending apparently up 45% for the first 6 months of 2011...

This is interesting though, look at the Ruskies go (or arrive), the leading 'Westerner' group now
But the real story is who were the Swedish family that never turned up this year... they should be named and shamed

SJ

[margaretcarnes]

On Christmas Day Sukhumvit in Bangkok - Nana/Asoke area - was quieter than I've ever seen it this time of year (and with the new Sofitel looking ready to open...)
Patpong 2 mid afternoon was like a wet Sunday in Swindon. It used to be buzzing all afternoon Christmas Day.