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Tourism

Travel Sentiment in Thailand Remains Stable Amid Middle East Conflict

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Thailand's travel industry has been impacted by tensions in the Middle East, with some tourists waiting to book their trips due to the uncertain situation. Despite disruptions to aviation in the region, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reports a 15% year-on-year increase in long-haul arrivals, totaling 5.3 million since the beginning of the year. Thailand is on track to meet its target of 10.6 million long-haul arrivals by the end of the year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has seen a 15% year-on-year increase in long-haul arrivals, totaling 5.3 million since the beginning of the year.
  • Thailand has received 20-30% forward bookings for the year-end high season in Phuket, most of them from Europe, with all bookings confirmed without changes.
  • Outbound tour groups from Thailand have confirmed plans to travel to Europe this week and next month, as airlines based in the Middle East resume their services as normal.
  • Some tour agencies are prioritising using airlines based in Europe instead of those in the Middle East to avoid disruption with future bookings.
  • The airspace closure in the Middle East has not had a significant impact on outbound tourism, as main destinations for Thai travelers are in East Asia.
  • Tour package sales for the UAE, Jordan, and Georgia have declined significantly since tensions in the Middle East escalated last year.

Statistics:

  • 5.3 million long-haul arrivals in Thailand since the beginning of the year (TAT)
  • 15% year-on-year increase in long-haul arrivals (TAT)
  • 4 million arrivals from Europe since the beginning of the year (TAT)
  • 20-30% forward bookings in Phuket for the year-end high season (Suksit Suvunditkul)
  • 10.6 million target for long-haul arrivals by the end of the year (TAT)
  • 15% decline in tour package sales for the UAE, Jordan, and Georgia since tensions escalated last year (Chotechuang Soorangura)

Sources:

  • Chiravadee Khunsub, deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
  • Suksit Suvunditkul, president of the southern chapter of the Thai Hotels Association
  • Chotechuang Soorangura, vice-president of the Thai Travel Agents Association

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