Domestic tourism is expected to contract by 50 per cent during the low season this year, while arrivals from Europe are also down by at least 20 per cent as many potential tourists are watching the World Cup at home rather than travelling.

According to the Domestic Travel Association (DTA), the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) and the Thai Travel Agent Association (TTAA), visitor numbers started falling this month and will continue to decrease through the low season until September.

There are many reasons for the fall, including the recent floods in the North, political unrest, the domestic economic slowdown, and the Fifa World Cup being held in Germany.

DTA president Charoen Wangananon said most tour operators had received fewer bookings from local tourists compared to the low season last year. He said Thais did not want to spend money on travel as they are worried about the uncertain economy.

"My latest information, reported by members, is that advance bookings are decreasing and this trend is expected to continue until September or October," he said.

To boost the domestic tourist industry, the DTA is working with airlines, hotels and shops in many provinces to create special packages at lower prices in a bid to attract domestic tourists.

Charoen said the packages would focus on the low- to middle-end market segment travelling by tour bus rather than plane and staying at three- and four-star hotels. The campaign is expected to be ready in two weeks.

"I expect that the offering will draw 2,000 local travellers," said Charoen.

ATTA president Anake Sankary said the World Cup was causing many football fans to stay at home throughout the month.

As a result, Thailand is now receiving fewer Western tourists particularly from Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Italy. Meanwhile, many tourists from China, Japan and other Asian countries are also avoiding travel.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is preparing the Royal Trail Tour: places visited by overseas royal family members who this month joined the 60th Anniversary Celebration of HM the King's accession to the throne.

Santichai Euachongprasit, deputy governor for tourism products, said the TAT would promote 10 Royal Trail Tour routes, including Ayutthaya and Bangkok's canals, to both foreign and domestic tourists.

Meanwhile, Apichart Patcharapinyophong, president of the Thai Boat Operators Association, said he expected canal-cruise business to grow 20-30 per cent.

"Business is coming back. To date, [the number of authorised] boat cruises along the Chao Phya River and Bangkok's canals has increased to 18, from 11-12 last year," said Apichart.

 Earlier this month, the TAT invested more than Bt50 million to install lights at historical sites and private properties along the river, in the hope of increasing the number of tourists in Bangkok and adjoining provinces.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation