Thailand allays UK trade fears over country’s political unrest
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Thailand allays UK trade fears over country’s political unrestThe Thai Government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has reassured the travel trade that its tourism industry is “operating as normal” despite the current political unrest.In an official statement, Thailand’s Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, reassured the public that no violence would come from the Government side.He said the Government “understands and shares the concerns of the public regarding the present situation” and would “do its best to return the situation back to normalcy as soon as possible”.In addition, the TAT has set up a dedicated travel update website found at www.thailandtourismupdate.com to keep the trade informed of all developments regarding the situation.At present, Suvarnabhumi Airport and all other international and domestic airports around Thailand are open and operating as normal.In addition, all of Bangkok’s hotels and attractions are open to guests and visitors.TAT has stressed that foreigners have not been targeted in the ongoing conflict but has advised them to be “vigilant and avoid areas where crowds may gather”.”Thai Tourism Industry representatives are on stand-by to provide round-the-clock assistance to foreign tourists and visitors,” said a statement.The authority’s UK office said planned fam trips for travel trade and media to celebrate the TAT’s 50th anniversary this year would still go ahead.These will visit Lampang, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Khao Sok National Park.”TAT UK continues to run its marketing activities as normal, including a TV campaign running throughout March with Virgin Holidays and Hayes and Jarvis,” a TAT UK spokesperson told TDUK.”Our media and agent educational trips are departing as usual and we are determined more than ever to maintain Thailand’s reputation as one of the world’s favourite holiday destinations.”British arrivals to Thailand totalled 841,471in 2009 representing a 1.81% increase from 2008 and a definite improvement on the forecasted 5% decrease.”We achieved a positive growth figure despite a tough year since the political unrest in Thailand and recession in the UK that began in 2008,” said the spokesperson.”We believe we can maintain this and continue to grow our arrival numbers in 2010 too. “Support from the UK tourism industry has been fantastic and together we have run more than 20 Thailand dedicated tactical marketing campaigns promoting Amazing Thailand Amazing Value, which resulted in a huge increase in incremental passengers and Thailand outselling other destinations by far.”
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