Domestic tourism sector fears spending drought

In that case, the government and private sectors would have to work even harder to stimulate domestic tourism, such as by launching a steady stream of activities in the second half of the year. However, so far there have been no signs that Thais are travelling less.
Thawatchai Arunyik, deputy governor for domestic marketing at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said yesterday that local people would keep travelling, especially to resort areas close to Bangkok such as Cha-am and Pattaya. On weekends, hotel occupancy rates are still high. “Travel is part of people’s lives now,” he said.
However, the situation merits close attention, as it is still summer. The slowdown will likely surface after schools open this month, when parents spend much more on tuition and educational materials, he added.
Maiyarat Pheerayakoses, president of the Association of Domestic Travel, said domestic tourism last quarter was hit by natural disasters and also weaker spending power, especially among flood victims. Their budgets have been allocated to repairing their homes, Maiyarat said.
People may adjust their leisure plans according to their budgets. They may go somewhere nearer, or go somewhere and stay a shorter time. In the second half, flood protection measures would be one of the major factors to prop up tourists’ confidence.
Yesterday saw the opening of two events – Thailand Golf and Dive Expo and Wonderful Thailand Wonderful World – aimed mainly at promoting niche tourism by putting Thailand on the tourism map for the two outdoor sports.
About 250,000 people are expected to visit the events and spend Bt500 million until the closing on Sunday.