Terrorism could derail tourism plans

BANGKOK  The threat of terrorism will be a pivotal factor for travellers making decision on which destinations to visit over the next few months, according to Tourism Authority of Thailand governor, Yuthasak Supasorn.
He made the comments in the wake of the deadly attacks in Paris, last Friday, saying the tragedy in Paris, one of the world’s top destinations for travellers, would challenge tourism and intensify the need for more stringent security checks at airports.
“TAT is closely monitoring the situation and collaborates with the Thai embassy in France to assist Thai tourists…around 700 to 1,000 Thai tourists are safe…we also ordered our overseas offices to keep an eye on the travel situation and be prepared to offer assistance.”
He said: “It is too early to estimate the impact on tourism …but the attacks will have a short-term impact on bookings to Paris …terrorism is a serious challenge for tourism as travellers take safety and security seriously and this could dampen growth.”

inside no 1TAT International Marketing (Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas) deputy governor, Juthaporn Rerngronasa, said terrorist attacks remind foreign tourists there are risks when travelling to all major destinations.
“Terrorism is now a major concern for local and foreign tourists when selecting holiday destinations and the news that terrorist attacks could increase in European capital cities will have a negative impact. Countries must take action to improve safety and security measures including Thailand to but confidence.”
There are specific concerns that travellers will rethink their Christmas and New Year travel plans with some preferring to stay at home or close by relatives. The perception is that the festive season brings with it an increased risk of terrorism especially at crowded countdown celebrations 31 December.
Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said: “The ministry has set up a tourist centre to immediately assist Thai travellers planning to travel to Europe,” while centres in Thailand will improve their readiness to support the country’s efforts to improve security,
She said last year 167,148 Thai travellers visited France while during the first half of this year 103,315 Thais have visited France.
The deadly attacks in Paris, Friday 13 November, occurred at the tail end of the peak season for Asians travelling to Europe. The onset of winter in November deters travel to Europe. In Thailand, schools reopened after an October break and families are now planning their end-of-the-year trips.
For the first 10 months of this year, 589,549 French tourists visited Thailand. In 2014, there were 635,073 French travellers to the kingdom up 3.84% from 611,582 in 2013, the minister added.
Association of Thai Travel Agents president, Charoen Wangananont, said the attacks will impact on travel both to France and Thailand.
“Fewer Thai tourists will visit France over the next few months…the incident changes France’s tourism image….Thai tour operators have to adjust business marketing and strategy,” the ATTA president commented.
The attacks were the worst experienced in Paris since the post World War II era.
Paris was turned into a battle zone and over the coming months security officers will be on the alert and checks at airports throughout Europe will be more stringent than ever.
There is also the likelihood that there will be attacks in other European capitals as Christmas and New Year festivities approach.
Thailand will tighten security measures particularly at airports and borders to ensure confidence for tourists travelling to the country, he said.
Thai Travel Agents Association vice president, Krichanat Meesumran, said the association is monitoring the situation, but so far there have been no cancellation of Paris tour packages booked by Thais.
Thai Airways International’s Department of Aviation Safety, Security and Standards vice president, Flt Lt Prathana Pattanasiri, said due to the tragic incident in Paris, the French government has raised safety alert to the highest level.
THAI continues to operate its daily flight to Paris.
“THAI will follow-up the situation closely. In case of any flight schedule changes, the airline will alert the travelling public.”
THAI operates one daily flight to Paris. Flight TG930 departs from Suvarnabhumi Airport at 0005 and arrives at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 0650 (local time) and the return flight departs from Paris at 1255 and arrives at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 0625 (the following day).

sourced:ttrweekly.com