Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications gave an extended update concerning latest developments of Thai tourism, at a media briefing last Sunday, during ASEAN Tourism Forum 2009 (ATF 2009).In total, the ASEAN countries contribute to about one-fourth of our total visitor arrivals. International visitor arrivals to Thailand in January – July 2008 totalled 9.14 million of whom 2.3 million visitors were from ASEAN countries, or a market share of about 25 percent. Malaysia topped the list with one million arrivals, followed by Singapore with 370,000 and Lao PDR. with 350,000.
"I know most of you would like to get an update of what happened in Thailand during the airport closure and how we have recovered from this unprecedented crisis. Today, we can confidently say that Amazing Thailand is making an Amazing Recovery and is back in business." Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa said. "The closure of Thailand’s main gateway airport at Suvarnabhumi between 25 November to 3 December was a completely unforeseen and unpredictable event caused by a domestic political dispute. The entire Thai tourism industry was mobilised to help the tourists, which became a top priority."
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), together with the entire private sector provided accommodation, transportation, and meals. Some emergency flights were operated from other airports, and city terminals were established for tourists to undergo early check-in procedures. Once the all-clear was declared, the entire aviation industry moved expeditiously and urgently to get the airport open again and help visitors return home to their loved ones.
After the reopening of the airports, the recovery in visitor arrivals was almost instantaneous. This is clear proof of the high levels of confidence that visitors have in the Kingdom of Thailand, the Thai people and the Thai tourism industry."
Recovery Plan
The industry’s three-point recovery plan for 2009 includes:
1) Emergency measures to restore visitor confidence,
2) Policy measures to promote more domestic travel and international visitor arrivals, and
3) Tactical marketing measures which include special campaigns, especially via online marketing.
"We are expecting that final figures for 2008 will show a total of 14.3 million arrivals, which will be about the same as 2007. Although arrivals are projected to improve in the first quarter of 2009, they will definitely be lower than arrivals in the first quarter of 2008. However, we project an improvement in the second quarter of 2009. We target the international visitor arrivals in 2009 are not less than 14 million, again depending on extra budget from the government, as well as, local, regional, and global situation."
For the first time, a rail service between Thailand and Lao PDR. (Nong Khai – Ban Thanaleng, Vientiane) is due to be officially open in the beginning of March 2009. The construction of the 5.3 kilometre rail line from Nong Khai province on the Mittraphap Bridge to Ban Thanaleng in Lao PDR. will further enhance tourism and trade between the two countries.
One of the major indicators of the continued confidence of investors in Thailand is the huge increase in new and refurbished hotels, as well as hotel expansion in both 2008 and 2009. Our records show that a total of 50 new hotels opened nationwide in 2008. 46 new hotels are set to open this year (2009). All these hotels include both international and local hotel chains; such as,
- Ritz Hotel, Best Western, Crown Plaza in Bangkok
- Jumeirah Phuket Private Island Resort, 65 pool villas, five-star
- Shangri-La Phuket Resort and Spa, 315 rooms, five-star
- The Regent Phuket Cape Panwa, 106 rooms, five-star
- Conrad Koh Samui Resort, 79 villas, five-star
- DusitD2 Samui, 60 pool villas, boutique
- Banyan Tree Koh Samui , 100 villas, five-star
- Anantara of the Minor Groups in Phang nga, five-star
