| The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has issued two statements - one for visitors to Thailand and one for members of the travel trade - amid a positive sign that Thai politics looks set to be more stabilised under the new Abhisit Vejjajiva administration.
The message for visitors to Thailand is a simple note of apology with TAT governor, Ms Phornsiri Manoharn, offering her sympathy to tourists affected by the closure of Bangkok's two airports.
Ms Phornsiri said in her note: "We hope you have reached home safely and that your confidence and trust in Thailand has not been affected...I am happy to inform that the Thai travel and tourism industry is back to normal.
"Thailand is and continues to be a wonderfully diverse tourism destination with great beaches, savoury, food, health and wellness centres, luxury accommodation, unspoilt nature, and of course, warm and friendly smiles."
The message for members of the travel trade conveys TAT's appreciation for their help and co-operation with the Thai NTO during the incident period. It also puts into perspective how TAT plans to move forward to regain the confidence of foreign visitors and investors.
Both statements reiterate how Thailand's travel trade made it its first priority to help stranded passengers, reaffirming the industry's trademark resilience in the face of crises.
Meanwhile, inbound tour operators reported seeing new bookings for Thailand coming in.
Asian Trails CEO, Mr Luzi Matzig, said new bookings from Europe for after the New Year had started to come in, albeit at a sluggish pace, due to declining spending power of European travellers under the tough economic situation.
However, he maintained the main reason for the drop in bookings for Thailand was the global economic situation that was made worst by the closure of Bangkok's two key airports.
Diethelm Travel Group COO, Mr Richard Brouwer, said: "Apart from receiving new bookings, we are not getting anymore cancellations. In fact, some cancelled bookings have been reinstated."
Source: ttg |