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Who is spending?
Travel fallout and the future
Who's spending?
As tourism figures drop around the world, Thailand's reliance on the tourist baht proves to be a dismal prognosis. Or does it ?
While government entities and TAT campaigns look to bolster the industry with low interest loans and domestic tourism promotions,
the approach of the private sector remains positive.
The region is already ahead (or behind?) the economic fallout seen in N.America and Europe, so there is some time to prepare for
the inevitable and to ride the storm.
The fact that Asia always does so is not lost on captains of industry in the hotel, hospitality and tourism sectors. Conversely, airlines,
with an international outlook are having to revise budgets.There are success stories. For example, Air Austral, serving Reunion Island from Bangkok, recently introduced Sydney and Noumea routes - and ordered two A380 aircraft.
A case of French flaunting or good business? Not sure, but a similar approach exists within the Kingdom's private sector.
Hotel G.M's believe, correctly, that their properties already display the best value for money in the region. Perhaps Java could compete,
but Thailand's vacation diversity still places it well ahead in any comparison poll.Even with currency exchange losses, it is still the best value in S.E.Asia.
Some lower-end properties are boasting giveaway deals, but 5* properties already look cheap in comparison to Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, K.L. without requiring further discounting.
In the immediate future international visitors may be more regionalised, rather than the vast intercontinental numbers seen in recent years, but most industry voices truly believe in the value concept to still attract visitors.
So, who is spending ?
Simple. Those with money to spend.
Who are they ?
The vast majority are the over 50's, who have savings and will still be spending as planned.
With Thailand now firmly established on cruise ship schedules, offering over 200 golf courses and as a top international spa destination, it has the platform to entice that market.
The increasing amount of quality, internationally accredited hospital facilities within the kingdom goes beyond the health and wellness spa outlets and provides value for money medical procedures to the same age group. Indeed, it reaches all of those that will be looking to save costs in these troubled economic times. Thats the big picture really. Thailand is still wonderful value for money in many aspects when compared to other destinations .
“Build it and they will come” still holds true for the vacationer who is shopping around.
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For more Information contact:
Tom Bishop
Managing Director
tom@dtctravel.com
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About DTC Travel
DTC Travel is a British owned and managed,
Thai registered, company operating in Bangkok since 1995.
DTC provides both inbound and outbound travel services to Thailand
plus travel arrangements originating anywhere.
As members of both the Association of Special Fares Agents and the
International Travel Association we enjoy global links over 70 associated
discount travel offices in more than 50 countries, affording access
to special discount prices not available from Thai suppliers.
Click here to
Contact Us.
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