TRAT, THAILAND – European tour groups shifted their Thailand itineraries away from southern hotspots toward eastern destinations such as Koh Chang and Koh Kut, as tour planners reacted to war-related disruptions in Middle East flight routes and rising costs.
East coast emerges as preferred region
Kanokkittika Kritwuttikorn, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for the eastern region, said European tour groups and operators had shown clearly increased interest in the east coast.
“European tour groups and tour operators are showing significantly more interest in the east coast.”
said Kanokkittika Kritwuttikorn, TAT regional director.
She added that islands such as Koh Chang and Koh Kut in Trat province were being marketed by many providers as “new” destinations.
“In particular, the islands of Koh Chang and Koh Kut in Trat province are being promoted by many providers as ‘new’ destinations.”
said Kanokkittika Kritwuttikorn.
Why the south has been hit harder
According to Kanokkittika Kritwuttikorn, the conflict had so far affected the eastern region less than southern destinations, changing risk assessments among European travel planners.
“The conflict has so far hit the eastern region less than southern destinations, which is changing risk assessments among European planners.”
said Kanokkittika Kritwuttikorn.
Many visitors therefore planned longer stays in Pattaya and intended to remain there until the Songkran festival in April, even as the war continued.
“Many visitors are planning longer stays in Pattaya and want to stay until the Songkran festival in April, even though the war is still ongoing.”
said Kanokkittika Kritwuttikorn.
Flight routes become key factor
The TAT pointed out that Europeans could conveniently enter Thailand via Bangkok for trips to the east and use direct connections where available.
“Europeans can conveniently enter via Bangkok for trips to the east and use direct connections, where available.”
said the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
At the same time, this allowed travelers to avoid costly detours and transit routes, which many operators now viewed as unavoidable and expense-driving for other parts of the country.
“In this way, expensive detours and transit routes can be avoided, which many operators now see as unavoidable and cost-driving for trips to other regions.”
said the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Trat gains visibility with operators
Pichaya Thachai-adisap, president of the Trat Tourism and Hotel Association, said southern businesses reported a clear decline in European guests.
“Businesses in the south are reporting a significant drop in European guests.”
said Pichaya Thachai-adisap, association president.
She cited as a reason that many connections to the south were more dependent on flights via the Middle East, while Europeans usually flew via Bangkok to reach the east coast.
“Many connections to the south are more dependent on flights via the Middle East, while Europeans mostly fly via Bangkok to the east coast.”
said Pichaya Thachai-adisap.
TAT banks on Pattaya trade fair showcase
To reinforce the trend, the TAT announced plans to actively promote the eastern islands in June at the Thailand Travel Mart trade fair in Pattaya.
“We will specifically promote the eastern islands in June at the Thailand Travel Mart in Pattaya.”
said the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
The authority expected representatives from more than 400 foreign travel agencies and media organizations to attend and explore new programs and routes on site.
“We expect representatives from more than 400 foreign travel agencies and media organizations to explore new programs and routes on site.”
said the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Risk if energy prices reverse the trend
Despite the current momentum, Pichaya Thachai-adisap warned that a prolonged conflict could fundamentally alter the calculations of European travelers through rising fuel prices.
“If the conflict drags on, rising fuel prices could fundamentally change the calculations of European travelers.”
said Pichaya Thachai-adisap.
If flight costs surged, many Europeans might ultimately opt for holidays within their own region instead of booking long-haul trips to Southeast Asia.
“If flight costs rise sharply, many Europeans could end up choosing holidays in their own region instead of booking long-haul trips to Southeast Asia.”
said Pichaya Thachai-adisap.