Wednesday, 2 November 2011
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has advised that the
devastating floods have damaged the tourism industry including the Mice sector
and if continues revenue losses could reach THB17 billion.
According to TAT losses to date are estimated at THB3.71
billion which consists of THB1.01 billion from domestic tourism and THB2.7
billion from International tourism, the Bangkok Post reported.
TAT governor Suraphon Svetasreni said the number of
tourists will fall by 3.2 million, comprising of three million domestic
tourists and 200,000 international visitors.
"If the flooding cannot be solved until next month,
the industry will lose another THB13.1 billion, THB8.5 billion from
international tourism and THB4.6 billion from domestic," Mr Svetasreni
said.
TAT advised after careful assessment of the flood
situation, they have adjusted this year’s arrival target of 19.5 million to
19.1 million.
A spokesperson from Thailand Convention and Exhibition
Bureau (TCEB) has said that the floods have already cost the Mice industry in
revenue around THB3billion, by having to postpone 14 events expecting 100,000
participants.
TCEB president Akapol Sorasuchart said the company has
also revised down its 2012 Mice industry forecast from 15 percent to flat
growth.
"Flat growth in 2012 will also mean a lower Mice
promotion budget, 570 million Baht instead of the 802 million earmarked
before," Mr Sorasuchart said.
Although the TCEB predicts domestic tourism will recover
quicker than international, state agencies will not reduce their budgets for
meetings and seminars as these will be a key factor in boosting domestic Mice
activities.
