TAT looking to Middle East to lift gloom

Hotels and tour operators have been urged to approach three potential markets in the region - the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Iran - because visitors from these countries spend more money and stay longer than the average tourist.

Tourists from the Middle East usually spend an average of Bt4,400 to Bt4,600 per head per day, higher than the general average of Bt4,100. The number of visitors from the Middle East is expected to increase about 10 per cent this year, lower than annual growth of 20 per cent in previous years.

Thawatchai Arunyik, executive director for Europe, Africa and the Middle East, suggested operators promote key tourism products specific to Middle East markets. These could include "Thainess", cultural products, natural themes, beaches and medical tourism.

He urged operators to bring in tourists during the low season, particularly between June and August. However, he cautioned operators not to cut prices during that period, because it could make Thailand appear to be a "cheap" destination and thus deter tourists.

"With all kinds of places for tourists, Thailand has the potential to become a holiday destination for Middle East countries," he said.

Thawatchai said airlines were increasing their flight frequencies from the Middle East from 20 flights a week to more than 40.

Auggapol Brickshawana, deputy governor for tourism products, said Middle East visitors would number about 420,000, up from 400,000 before.

He said the Middle East offered hope for Thai tourism amid the global crisis.