Hoteliers push for joint action to boost revenue

 Chanin Donavanik, CEO of Dusit International, said tourism had been severely hit over the past 12-18 months due to the political unrest and economic slowdown.

Many foreign companies suffered setbacks from the airport closure in 2008 and the street violence in 2009.

However, the tourism industry should improve by next year as the economies in China and in the region would rebound.

"Many tourists in the region will return to Thailand as it is their favourite destination," he said.

The government and operators should join in discussing and devising a new plan to cope with the recovery.

"I need to see good cooperation among all parties as it is a big problem for our industry," he added.

Pratana Mongkonkul, chief financial officer of Minor International, said she sees recovery not coming until next year, instead of this year as some people projected.

The global economic crisis has caused Minor's hotel business in Thailand to drop by 20 per cent in terms of rates and occupancy.

Overseas, average occupancy fell 15 per cent while room rates were down only 2-3 per cent. To deal with the revival, hotel and travel operators should focus on activities instead of destinations because tourists are concerned about new experiences while travelling.

The government should lead the private sector in development, she added. Weerasak Kowsurat, chairman of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said the tourism industry is in trouble as too many hotels are in the market while the number of tourists is declining.

So far, the industry is expected to recover soon so all parties - the government, private sector and communities - would work together on the same master plan of development.

Tourism bodies should join hands with neighbouring countries to launch a campaign to lure visitors to the region. All stakeholders should develop domestic tourism to build tourism activities in the long run.