Tourism plunges 22 per cent

Published: 23/07/2009 at 03:07 PM
Online news: Breakingnews

The tourism industry has suffered its deepest slump in many decades with the number of visitors expected to be down 22 per cent on last year, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand chairman Kongkit Hiranyakij.

It was the biggest plunge in tourism growth in 49 years, he said.

Besides the global economic crisis, the country's continuing political turmoil had contributed to the sharp decline in tourism, Mr Kongkit Hiranyakij said on Thursday.

The expected number of tourist arrivals had been reduced from the expected 14.1 million to 11 million, he said.

The A(H1N1) flu outbreak could make tourism contract by three to four per cent, causing the country to lose up to 200 billion baht of tourism revenue this year, he said.

Last year, Thailand gained 540 billion baht in tourism revenue.

"If the government can solve its political problems and is able to host the Asean meetings successfully, tourism should be revived by the end of this year or the beginning of 2010," Mr Kongkit predicted.

However, he said Thai tourists would help generate an estimated 430 billion baht in revenue this year.

About the author

Writer: BangkokPost.com

Keep this article in your social bookmark:

Latest stories in this category:

Share your thoughts

For more candid, lengthy, conversational and open discussion between one another, use our Forum

Report objectionable comments click here. Include: discussion #, commenter name, comment date / time as it looks on the page. Example: discussion 15: 09/01/2009 at 10:00 AM.

Ex Sapper

Discussion 4 : 23/07/2009 at 04:35 PM4
Are you really surprised by this - their own fault and Mr Kongkit please remove your head from where the sun does not shine - absolutely ZERO chance things are going to improve this year and it is more than possible Thailand is now finished as a popular tourist destination - Vietnam is on the rise and they have enforced laws to protect tourists and the corruption levels amongst the old guard Communist government members as well as the police is very low, a holiday now in Vietnam is running around 35-45% cheaper than Thailand. The Thai government can always volunteer to take the Nuclear waste from Europe and dump it here, hey this place is finished and every foreigner knows it. SAME OLD STORY JUST A DIFFERENT DAY
Robert Horn

Discussion 3 : 23/07/2009 at 03:49 PM3
Do you guys just print anything without thinking about whether it is factual or logical? I don't know what the head of the Tourism Council said, but if the number of tourists drop from 14.1 million to 11 million that can't be a 49-year low. I'm certain that Thailand was not getting more than 11 million tourists a year every year since 1960. The first time Thailand received more than 11 million tourists in a single year was 2004. Guys, wake up!
Swedenfarang

Discussion 2 : 23/07/2009 at 03:25 PM2
Sorry mr Tourism Council of Thailand chairman Kongkit Hiranyaki. Down to under 10 million/year. Then the strong Baht. The flu will make the big start in Europe when the schools and works start in August and September. USA will have a record unemployment. Maybe China and India who will have a normal year. Then Farang will choose Cambodia and Laos after all the turbulens in this country.
Bangkok Farang in Exile

Discussion 1 : 23/07/2009 at 03:20 PM1
The reasons are not just the global economy, they are as follows.
1. Thailand is getting expensive
2. Thaksin has threatened the UK and other countries for banning him
3. Stupid Visa rules
4. Dual Pricing
5. Political Turmoil
6. Thailand is UNSAFE ( 118 out of 140 )
7. Lack of Transparency
8. Out and Out Corruption
Vietnam and Cambodia are announcing record levels of Tourism. Thailand has killed the Golden Egg by its own total stupidity.

First Previous 1 2 3 4 5

Tourism plunges 22 per cent