Focus on quality, not quantity, urges Abhisit

[Admin]

Focus on quality, not quantity, urges Abhisit
By SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION
2011-03-03

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has urged the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the private sector to focus on "quality tourists", though operators are calling on the government to improve the country's stability to raise tourist confidence.

Abhisit urged all parties in the tourism business to focus on the quality of tourists, rather than aim for high numbers.

The industry is a key sector that will help drive the economy, he said, adding that it accounted for 7 per cent of gross domestic product last year.

Last year Thailand received 15.8 million international tourists, generating income of Bt585 million, he said.

"It was a record number of tourist arrivals, despite the country facing political problems and other negative factors over the past two years," he said.

Abhisit said the tourism sector grew 7.5 per cent, while revenue was up 11 per cent.

"If we can maintain this growth, the country will have twice as many visitors within the next 10 years."

However, tourist spending per head is decreasing. Therefore, the prime minister urged all relevant organisations to focus on quality visitors, as they would bring in more income.

Suraphon Svetasreni, the governor of the TAT, said the authority had been working with operators to seek new markets and maintain key markets such as Europe, Japan, South Korea and Australia.

He said it would approach new markets such as the Middle East, East Europe, Latin America and the two emerging markets of India and China.

Suraphon said the TAT would lure new visitors by launching the "Amazing Stopover" programme to attract passengers passing through Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport to stay on in the country.

The TAT will also hold roadshows in target counties such as Indonesia and even head to Africa and Russia.

However, the domestic political unrest and conflict between Thailand and Cambodia have disturbed tourism, he said.

Some governments, such as those of Australia and Taiwan, have issued travel advisories telling their citizens to avoid coming to Thailand.

To restore tourist confidence, the TAT has issued reassurances in order to maintain these two markets.

In Thailand, the TAT will encourage local people to travel to other regions all year round.

"The TAT will try to increase domestic tourism in terms of both numbers of visitors and spending," said Suraphon.

The president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), Prakit China-mourphong, said operators wanted the government to improve stability in order to restore tourist confidence. He said key markets such as Japan, the United Kingdom, France and Italy were still very slow.

"Our tourism should grow faster than this," he said. "It is because of our problems. The private sector needs stability."

The THA predicts hotel operators will raise average room rates by 3-5 per cent this year as many hotels have been unable to do so over the past few years due to the global economic crisis and internal problems in the Kingdom.

Last year, most hotels faced a tough economic situation that forced them to lower charges.

[Prakhonchai Nick]

Focus on quality, not quantity, urges AbhisitBy SUCHAT SRITAMATHE NATION

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has urged the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the private sector to focus on "quality tourists", though operators are calling on the government to improve the country's stability to raise tourist confidence.

Abhisit urged all parties in the tourism business to focus on the quality of tourists, rather than aim for high numbers.

Last year Thailand received 15.8 million international tourists, generating income of Bt585 million, he said.    

By my reckoning, that's just 37bt a head. They obviously don't come to Coffee Corner - a beer will set you back 40bt!!!   

[Vombatus]

Focus on quality, not quantity, urges AbhisitBy SUCHAT SRITAMATHE NATION

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has urged the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the private sector to focus on "quality tourists", though operators are calling on the government to improve the country's stability to raise tourist confidence.

Abhisit urged all parties in the tourism business to focus on the quality of tourists, rather than aim for high numbers.

Last year Thailand received 15.8 million international tourists, generating income of Bt585 million, he said.    

By my reckoning, that's just 37bt a head. They obviously don't come to Coffee Corner - a beer will set you back 40bt!!!   

The tourists are OK, it is the long-term expats who come and spend 30 Baht on a couple of soda's 

[boloa]

My daughter has been backpacking around SE Asia and has a budget of £1500 a month.She had been staying in 3-4 $ a night accommodation so she can spend her money on tourist trips,seeing the sights,cooking courses ect.Out of the 3 months she was in SE Asia she spent 2 weeks in Thailand as she said Thailand is too expensive.Thailand has been doing away with low cost accommodation for some time now and the backpacker are all going elsewhere.TOT seems to think backpackers spend no money and only want the higher end tourist to come to Thailand 

[Vombatus]

I am hearing more and comments about Thailand becoming more expensive (not because of Coffee Corner ).

Only yesterday 2 customers were talking of trying out Cambodia because they perceived better value for money there.

[Prakhonchai Nick]

It's swings and roundabouts. Rather depends what the tourist wants. In some countries food and beer is cheaper, as is accommodation and transport, but the nightlife costs more.

[Prakhonchai Nick]

The tourists are OK, it is the long-term expats who come and spend 30 Baht on a couple of soda's 

You should be thankful for 30bt,CC  as the same couple of sodas could be bought in shops for 10bt!

[Vombatus]

The tourists are OK, it is the long-term expats who come and spend 30 Baht on a couple of soda's 

You should be thankful for 30bt,CC  as the same couple of sodas could be bought in shops for 10bt!

Yes, I have seen many of you khee niao types sitting outside 7 Elevens then heading off for the woods for a bush-babe 

[Dave the Dude]

I have seen many tourists heading off for 7/11's to drink cans/bottles of beer within restaurant premises.

Times are hard for many countries in the world and I suspect some small businesses within Thailand will cut their losses and fold.

[nookiebear]

I am hearing more and comments about Thailand becoming more expensive (not because of Coffee Corner ).

Only yesterdayTHE ONLY 2 customers ALL DAY were BOTH talking of trying out Cambodia because they perceived better value for money there.

Overall it is getting too bloody expensive

[nookiebear]

The tourists are OK, it is the long-term expats who come and spend 30 Baht on a couple of soda's 

You should be thankful for 30bt,CC  as the same couple of sodas could be bought in shops for 10bt!

Yes, I have seen many of you khee niao types sitting outside 7 Elevens then heading off for the woods for a bush-babe 

You have to be absolutely crazy to have a dabble with the BB's

[nookiebear]

Times are hard for many countries in the world and I suspect some small businesses within Thailand will cut their losses and fold.

I think something must be blocking your vision Dave,,so many have folded already!

[Dave the Dude]

Times are hard for many countries in the world and I suspect some small businesses within Thailand will cut their losses and fold.

I think something must be blocking your vision Dave,,so many have folded already!

I know that, but was saying I think a lot more will be going the same route (unfortunetly)

[The Irish Rover]

Even in this village a couple of the food places have wrapped up since I was last here a few weeks ago

[nookiebear]

IR,What happened to the pretty girl that worked in the place round the back of your gaff??