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SINGAPORE: The unstable political climate in Thailand has shaken the confidence of some Singapore travellers. Travel agents said year-end tour bookings for Bangkok have dropped by at least 20 per cent this year compared to last year.
Bangkok is losing its appeal as the land of smiles and for some Singaporeans, the latest airport closure was the last straw.
Alicia Seah, senior VP, Marketing and PR, Commonwealth Travel Service, said: "We have about 60 passengers departing for Thailand in the coming weeks and the immediate impact is that about 20 customers, mainly to Bangkok, have either called us to change or cancel their trips."
The travel agent also extended hotel stays for 10 customers currently stuck in Bangkok.
It has also seen a downward trend in year-end bookings between September to December for the Thai capital, from 800 in 2007 to 150 in 2008.
Ms Seah continued: "The current political climate is detrimental to the tourism industry in the long run and for travel agencies like CTC Holidays, we'll be diverting our marketing efforts to promote and channel our customers to visit other destinations such as Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, and Malaysia. I think we need to diversify to cater to the needs of Singaporeans."
But another agent still has confidence in Bangkok's tourism appeal.
Peggy Chung, deputy GM (Outbound), Hong Thai Travel, said: "The market is still strong for Singaporeans. All along, Bangkok has its attractive hotels, shopping and eating. These are all Singaporeans' favourites. So we're still confident of pushing the itinerary to all Singaporeans."
The company has offered its Bangkok travellers a chance to postpone plans or change to other destinations and it has yet to receive any cancellations. - CNA/vm
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