Thai tourism sector urged to brace for the worst

Tourism operators have warned Minister of Tourism Sorawong Thienthong to brace for a global economic downturn and fiercer competition next year, urging the government to start planning for the worst-case scenario from this year.

According to Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association, the number of foreign tourists to Thailand this year can meet the government’s target of around 38 million.

However, he said the new minister and the government should look ahead to next year as several negative factors could emerge.

Thienprasit advised the tourism minister to continue key strategies under the Ignite Tourism Thailand policy, focusing on the aviation hub and soft power promotions.

Related ministries should collaborate more closely with the tourism sector to ensure ease of travel and safety for tourists in the upcoming high season and through all of next year, he said.

Meanwhile, Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, president of the Association of the Chonburi Tourism Federation recommended that the new minister should appoint experts from the private sector to the team.

While the Thai tourism sector is fortunate to have established products and a reputation of value for money, the industry still requires active campaigns to attract tourists as major markets are shifting to independent travel based on unique demand and changing behaviour, he noted.

Rising stars such as Vietnam are catching up with Thailand in terms of tourism development and attractive prices, luring large numbers of tourists such as those from South Korea, said Thanet.