Thailand revises expectations (lead)
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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has trimmed its 2009 tourism revenue projections to THB630 billion baht (US$18.9 billion), the Bangkok Post has reported. 16 million foreign tourist arrivals are expected to arrive in 2009, down from the 17 million previous predicted, however a projected rise in average visitor spend has still caused forecasted revenue to increase 5%. The TAT expects tourists to spend an average of THB39,375 (US$1,182) per trip, up from THB38,760 (US$1,163) this year as they target ‘higher quality’ visitors. The TAT expects 2008 to generate tourism revenue of THB600 billion (US$18.0 billion) from 15.5 million foreign visitors, with domestic tourists contributing THB385 billion (US$11.6 billion). Thailand has been hit by high oil prices, which has forced national carrier Thai Airways to cut key long haul routes such as Bangkok-New York, and severely impacted its domestic low-cost carriers which have slashed routes. Political unrest has also affected Thailand’s image abroad. The TAT is planning to organise 14 roadshows next year including six in North Asia, four in South and Southeast Asia, three in Europe, and one in the US. In a further effort to boost numbers the agency has marked 2009 as ‘Visit Thailand Year’.
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