Inbound tourism to drop

"Another important factor is that our political problems and the ongoing chaos now disturb tourists," Sa-ngium Ekachot, vice president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, said yesterday.

Many Europeans are reconsidering whether to go overseas for vacation during the peak season from December to February, as they have found that travel abroad, particularly to Asia, costs more this year, he said.

The strengthening of the euro has become the key factor for the slowdown.

However, tourism should recover after New Year's if political issues can be toned down, he added.

Theera Tuglakmunkong, president of the Udon Thani Chamber of Commerce, said tourism in the Upper Northeast was booming thanks to the SEA Games now taking place in Vientiane.

Two provinces across from Laos - Nong Khai and Udon Thani - should gain more than Bt1 billion in revenue during the games.

"Tourism operators in both provinces hope to benefit from some post-games sightseeing trips," he said.

Tourism authorities and travel associations in the region plan to boost tourism by re-launching "Revisit Isaan Year 2010". Many special packages will be introduced next quarter.

Thai AirAsia plans to link Udon Thani with neighbouring countries such as Vietnam, China and Hong Kong. The budget airline on Saturday said it would start operating Udon Thani-Phuket flights on December 21.

Bangonrat Chinaprayoon, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Phuket office, said tourism in the South would rebound in the coming year.

Many operators see a positive outlook for 2010. Airlines and cruise liners already plan to lay on more flights or services to the island until March.

"During this year's high season, hotels in Phuket will enjoy average occupancy nearly 80 per cent, higher than the last peak season," she said.

However, hotel and tour operators are worrying about the never-ending political problems, she added.