Thailand High-Season Travel Seen Holding Up Despite Current Downturn
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said most tourism operators still expect healthy bookings during the year-end winter high season despite concerns over geopolitical issues…
Thailand’s high-season travel outlook remains solid despite the current downturn, with Phuket and other major destinations still expected to see healthy year-end winter bookings, Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said on May 19. She said large operators continue to see strong long-term demand for Thailand even with geopolitical pressure, high fuel prices and reduced flight capacity.
Booking patterns show more cautious spending
Thapanee said traveller behaviour has shifted sharply, with average advance bookings now made 16 weeks before departure, down from seven months previously. She said the shorter window reflects greater caution in discretionary travel spending.
The UK market has already shown that pressure. According to TUI, summer bookings from the UK fell 10% because of concern over war and the rising cost of living.
Airlines and regional competition shape the outlook
TAT expects demand from the Middle East between July and September, when travellers seek to escape extreme heat, supported by airline signals including Flydubai’s plan to operate twice-daily flights to Don Mueang International Airport from July 1. Bill Barnett of C9 Hotelworks said airlines are also reshaping networks by adding more direct Asia-Europe services that do not connect through the Middle East.
Barnett said international carriers still plan to add Phuket flights, including Virgin Atlantic from London, while Eastern European and Russian travel is expected to continue on routings that avoid war-zone airspace. He said European travellers should still choose Thailand this winter because of weather, destinations and air access, and remain willing to pay premium holiday prices.
Price-sensitive segments are under heavier pressure. Thapanee said China and Vietnam have already taken a large share of travellers from Thailand, while Barnett warned Vietnam is expanding its attractions to compete for the same markets.
In Krabi, hotel association president Kasmaporn Limpanapongthep said European and other long-haul visitors account for more than half of arrivals, but four- and five-star hotels currently hold only 30% of forward bookings for the high season.
Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/high-season-visitors-set-to-be-strong-despite-current-downturn-100280.php
