Sirima Eamtako, Bangkok (2008-04-30)
TTGTravelHub.net

TOUR operators and wholesalers in Thailand are reporting a drop of between five and 20 per cent in forward bookings compared to the same period last year, and are closely watching the impact of the global economy, rising fuel price and a weakening US dollar.

World Travel Service managing director, Mr Kusa Panyarachun, said: "Bookings (for Thailand) dropped by 20 per cent from January to March compared to last year."

Diethlem Travel Group COO, Mr Richard Brouwer, said its inbound tour business during the first three months of this year was on budget for all destinations across Asia, except China due to the incidents in Tibet.

"However, it looks like we will face the challenge of meeting the budget for the second quarter. April's performance was not overly impressive and bookings for May are lower than expected."

While Vietnam would continue to do well in the second quarter, Mr Brouwer said the rest of the company's Asian destinations would be lower than budgeted.

Apart from Vietnam, Kuoni Group contracting manager, Mr Andre van der Marck, said Bali - quoting in US dollars - would continue to do well.

Full report in TTG Asia May 2 - 8