Turmoil to derail travel plans of Bangkok-bound tourists
The political turmoil in Thailand is likely to lead to change in travel plans of leisure travellers in the forthcoming festival season.
By TNN |
NEW DELHI: The political turmoil in Thailand is likely to lead to change in travel plans of leisure travellers in the forthcoming festival season.
Travel agents expect last minute bookings to other South East Asian destination such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Even though most travel agents did not report large scale cancellations, but there is growing apprehension among trade that leisure travellers are more likely to wait-and-watch how the situation in Bangkok unfolds before taking a call on visiting the country.
“This has come at a time when we start our bookings for the Diwali and winter holiday season. Most Indians finalise their travel plans closer to date of their travel. Though there have not been large-scale cancellations, we won’t be surprised if they decide to avoid Bangkok,” said a Mumbai-based travel agent.
The high season for outbound travel kicks off from October onwards. The period between October to December accounts for around 30% of annual outbound travel from the country, with South East Asian destinations being a top draw for short vacations.
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A spokesperson from Mumbai-based travel agency Cox&King said currently two groups from India — numbering 30-odd people — are in Thailand and there have been no change in their itinerary. Many individual travellers to Bangkok are likely to avoid the city but move to other tourist destinations, such as Pattaya and Langkawi.Most travel agencies have sent out advisories to their clients and guests apprising them of the situation in the country. “Only if the political developments take a violent turn will that take a major toll on tourism and travel,” said a hotelier.
Till Wednesday evening airlines operating in and out of Bangkok were operating normally. An Thai Airways executive said all their flights from India were flying on schedule. However, average load factors in each flight vary in the 60-65% range, sources in the airline industry said.
The political turmoil comes at a time when Bangkok is in the process of shifting to a new international airport, Suvarnabhumi, touted as Asia’s biggest, and positioning itself as a hub for airline travel in South East Asia.
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Many in the travel industry feel that if the political imbroglio continues it will also impact the country’s efforts to position itself as a leading international destination for organising meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.Start a SIP with as low as ₹500 with ET Money App!
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