Bangkok blast hurts Phuket's tourism industry
Play
PHUKET - The fatal bombing near a tourism attraction in the heart of Bangkok will have an impact on Phuket's tourism industry, experts are telling the Phuket Gazette today
“The situation obviously affects tourism. Within three hours of the explosion, English, American and French Embassies had already sent out warnings to their citizens in Thailand. Within one hour, international television channels reported the attack worldwide,” said Satirapong Na Takuatung, president of the Phuket Tourism Association.
“It’s possible that tourists who were planning to come to Thailand will change their destination. However, I am not sure how much the attack will affect tourism, as there are many flights that were pre-booked. We’ll have to look in a few months to see if the number of bookings for Phuket turn out lower than last year.”
The association will hold a meeting on Friday to see what can be done to manage the situation.
Patong Entertainment Business Association President Weerawit Krueasombut also expressed his concern about the situation and its affects on Patong tourism.
“There are number of foreigners who died in the bombing, particularly Chinese, 'Hong Kongese' and Malaysians. I think it will definitely have an impact on Phuket tourism.
“Last night, all restaurants, bars and clubs were closed at 2am for security reasons. Tourists may hesitate to come back to Thailand again because of this.” - See more at: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket-news/Tourism-industry-braces-bombing-aftermath/61765#sthash.9zzaUksA.dpuf
