Operators subdued after mart
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
LONDON : As the World Travel Mart in London ended, Thai tourism operators were optimistic but realistic about next year despite few positive signs. They hope the emergency decree will be lifted and the global economy will improve, especially in Europe as it is a key tourism market.
The Thailand booth at the World Travel Mart in London this month attracted many visitors, but not many bought packages as travel agents are waiting for the emergency decree to be lifted.
The emergency decree is still a concern of some European tourists even though many tour agencies want to promote Thailand's tourist destinations.
According to the Global Trends Report 2010, the United Kingdom was harder hit by the economic crisis than many other countries because of its reliance on the financial sector. Its measures aim to reduce the country's deficit through raising the value-added tax from 17.5% to 20% next January, which is expected to further hurt the travel industry.
Yet Thai operators in the hospitality industry still strongly believe that Thailand is a value-for-money destination, so travel agents are ready to sell travel packages once the government lifts the state of emergency.
Drawing visitors during last week's four-day event was nothing new for the Thai pavilion, but the difference was travel agents came only to say hello and not buy, asking about the political situation.
"If the government keeps the emergency decree in place, tourism will face another difficult year, particularly in Bangkok. We came to the travel mart knowing we wouldn't conclude any deals," said Nussara Phoneprasert, the executive assistant manager for marketing of the Montien Hotel in Bangkok.
"We came to keep connections and see old business friends with the hope that when the economy picks up, they will come back to Thailand again," she said.Ms Nussara and her colleague Prayuth Thamdhum, the general manager of the Montien Hotel Pattaya, believe it will take at least two to three years for Thai tourism and hotel prices to stabilise at normal rates after the government lifts the decree.
In addition, European tourists to Thailand are now spending about 10% more than last year, even up to 16% from some countries, meaning the exchange rate is affecting their decision to visit the kingdom.
"We used to have more than 10 appointments a day in the past but this time it was only four. Most ask when the Thai government will lift the state of emergency. Our buyers say they can't sell Thailand as a tourist destination now. We don't know what to do. The average room rate of Thai hotels is already very low," said Mr Prayuth.
Virat Atthabhirak, the executive vice-president of Diamond Cliff Resort & Spa Phuket, said that after attending the travel mart he forecast tourism in Phuket next year would rise slightly, but for the country it would not be as good as it should be.
"Many international tourists have shifted their destination to Phuket because they are more confident in their safety. The industry is in the hands of the government and Thai people. As long as we fight against each other, key business rivals will benefit while we lose," said Mr Virat.
Juthaporn Rerngronasa, the Tourism Authority of Thailand's deputy governor for international marketing (Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the United States) said the WTM was an important venue for operators to see their clients.
She said the TAT expected European tourist arrivals would reach around 4 million this year, up from 3 million last year. In the first 10 months, European arrivals totalled 3.4 million.
There were 105 operators from Thailand at the travel mart.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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