Foreign visitors remain confident coming to Thailand

[Richard Barrow]

Tourist agencies: Foreign visitors remain confident coming to Thailand
วันอังคาร ที่ 16 กุมภาพันธ์ 2553

BANGKOK, Feb 16 (TNA) – There have been neither cancellations nor postponements of foreign tourist visits to the kingdom so far in the wake of the current political disturbances, according to Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Suraphon Svetasreni.

The TAT chief said some foreign tourists have contacted tourism officials and tour operators here to keep abreast of the political situation, but there are no reported trip cancellations or postponements.

Responding to the current political uncertainties ahead of the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Bt76.6 billion (US$2.3 billion) frozen assets of convicted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra scheduled for February 26, the TAT Tourism Intelligence Unit and Crisis Management Center (TIC) jointly administered with the tourism private sector has been instructed to closely monitor the situation, Mr Surapol said, adding that the TIC has called a February 23 meeting to evaluate situation and to adopt new measures--both a proactive marketing strategy and a public relations campaign if needed.

Thailand’’s overall tourism industry has shown remarkable resilience, the TAT chief said.

Meanwhile, Pornthip Hirunkate, secretary-general of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) said that tour agents in other countries have made inquiries of private tour operators here about the latest political developments. However, there are no cancellations of booked trips to Thailand as 60 per cent of the travellers are frequent visitors, with the largest group being European.

This tourist market segment seems to understand the nature of the political conflicts which often happen in any countries, Mrs Pornthip said, adding that foreign holidaymakers often transit at Bangkok before heading to other destinations such as Pattaya, Phuket and Samui Island.

Beginning in January, the number of the foreign visitors so far has risen 25 per cent, especially during the Chinese New Year period.

The rising figures indicated tourist readiness and confidence in revisiting Thailand, Mrs Pornthip said. (TNA)

[Mozzbie47]

We fly to Thailand early April. There is no way I will be cancelling my trip.

[Zakk]

Last Saturday I was in Hatyai and lots of Malaysian tourist around town and seems like being in Malaysia. Since the goverment had issue a 100 ringgit fee for a two year valid passport.

[paul_au]

We fly to Thailand early April. There is no way I will be cancelling my trip.

Have a great trip, I will have to get back to Thailand soon, right after my trip to the USA.