Turmoil taking toll on tourism

TAT chairman Wanchai Sarathoonthat said the tourism industry had been hit by the political chaos and many tourists were avoiding Thailand for security reasons.

The authority will add more activities and campaigns in various regions from June to September in order to lure tourists back to the country, he said yesterday.

TAT will hold 27 activities in Asean and Australia, 19 in the US, 22 in Europe and 31 in Far East countries during the four-month plan, he said.

Wanchai said the TAT would also hold 100 marketing activities within the country to encourage domestic tourism.

The authority plans to spend Bt600 million on the plan.

The private sector has urged the TAT to do more to attract international tourists.

TAT and private tourism operators are scheduled to meet in Bangkok and Bang Saen in Chon Buri from June 30 to July 4 to discuss the current situation as well as new strategies and future plans.

According to the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), the group of inbound travel operators, political tension is affecting tourism and has already forced many visitors to go elsewhere.

It warned the government to avoid violence, as it could destroy the tourism industry.

The private operators said the TAT would miss its target of 15 million international visitors this year due to several negative factors, including political uncertainty and soaring oil prices.