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HONG KONG : Hong Kong has issued a red travel alert for Bangkok, and a suspension of all tours to the Thai capital has been extended to next week.
As Bangkok is one of the city's top holiday destinations, tour agencies are worried about how it will impact plans for the upcoming Easter holiday.
The political unrest in Thailand's capital has captured international attention, and like many governments around the world, Hong Kong is not taking the situation lightly.
The government issued the Red Outbound Travel Alert for Bangkok last week.
It means a significant threat exists and Hong Kong residents should avoid non-essential travel to the area.
All tours were cancelled, and the Travel Industry Council has now extended the suspension until next Tuesday.
More than 1,100 travellers from 52 Hong Kong tours bound for Bangkok this week had to scrap or rearrange their plans.
Protesters in Thailand have sent out a clear message, and its tourism industry has taken a significant hit. The Hong Kong Association of Travel Agents has estimated the situation has turned away up to 40 per cent of holidaymakers from Hong Kong.
Paul Leung, chairman, Hong Kong Association of Travel Agents, said: "It is really a problem for the trade. Especially for the outbound travel agents. Because Bangkok is one of the most popular destinations for the Hong Kong residents."
And travel agents said the sensitive situation has left plans for the upcoming five-day Easter holiday up in the air.
Mr Leung said: "All these tour groups are planned already. There are only a few weeks to go. So if the situation gets worse, then there will be a lot of cancellations. Then people will switch to other destinations such as the Philippines."
Still, agents are optimistic that most of the trips will still go ahead if things calm down.
And for now, all they can do is wait it out. - CNA/ms
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