Thailand tourism set to take off again

By Lu Feiran  |   2008-12-20  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

SHANGHAI travel agencies are preparing for the reopening of Thailand tourism with an announcement from the general tour administration expected on Monday.

However, agencies said tourists still had some doubts about safety in Thailand.

"We reckon from next week we will be able to accept tourists' registration for Thailand tours again," said Dong Ming, general manager of the Jinjiang International Travel Service. "And the first group going to Thailand after the turmoil will set out next month."

The price of Thailand-bound tour packages during the Spring Festival could be the lowest for some years.

Shanghai China Youth Travel Service Tours said hotels, air companies and scenic spots were offering more favorable prices and tour packages would be cheaper as a result.

"The price will be 10 to 20 percent lower than usual," said Liu Xiaojun, an official with the company.

Compared to Japan, Australia and New Zealand, the whole southeastern Asia tour market, a traditional hotspot during the Spring Festival, will be relatively slack this year.

"For example, packages to Japan and Australia have been solidly booked, and 90 percent of the Taiwan-bound packages have also been sold," said Dong. "But the southeastern Asian market still has vacancies."