TAT turns to short-haul Asian markets to boost arrivals

       The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will focus on short-haul Asian markets to revitalise the tourism industry, which is struggling to meet its target of 14 million international visitors this year.
       In the first six months, the country welcomed about 7 million tourists. The industry will record zero growth if the full-year target is achieved.
       The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) is, however, less optimistic, as it expects only 13.1 million visitors for the year.
       Weerasak Kowsurat, chairman of the TAT board, said the agency would have to conduct more marketing and promotional activities in foreign markets to lure tourists back in the remaining months of the year.
       The TAT should focus on short-haul Asian markets, which are comparatively easier to promote than are European and other markets. Short-haul markets will also yield faster results, he said, adding that these included Japan, South Korea, China, India and Dubai.
       Altogether, about 150,000 Asian tourists could visit Thailand in the final quarter of the year as a result of this increased focus, he added.
       TCT chairman Kongkrit Hiranyakit said there were many negative factors, especially the global economic crisis and domestic political instability, which could result in the Kingdom failing to meet the target.
       Moreover, a number of international airlines plan to cut their service frequency into Thailand in the fourth quarter, with most of the reduced capacity from Russia, Sweden, Iran and Singapore.
       However, airlines from China, the United Arab Emirates and India will increase their flight frequency.
       The TAT hopes tourists will return in large numbers in the coming high season from October to March.
       Kongkrit said the tourism sector had struggled to recover since the closure of Bangkok's main airports late last year and the abrupt cancellation of the Asean Summit in Pattaya this past April.
       Earlier this year, the targeted number of 2009 international visitors was revised downward from 14.8 million to 12 million following the airport closures.
       If there is no new political chaos, he believes the tourism sector should recover fully next year.